The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin on March 22, 2025, with a blockbuster opening match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The final of IPL 2025 is scheduled for May 25, 2025, at the same venue, with a total of 74 matches being played across 13 cities.

Cities and Venues for IPL 2025

IPL 2025 matches will be spread across 13 cities with all 10 teams playing their home games in their respective cities. Additionally, three teams will play a few of their matches at alternate home grounds:

• Delhi Capitals (DC) – Some matches will be played in Visakhapatnam.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS) – A few home matches will be held in Dharamsala.
• Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Their second home ground this season will be Guwahati, with Riyan Parag taking over as the new stand-in captain.

IPL 2025 Format and Grouping

The format remains unchanged from the previous editions. The 10 teams are divided into two virtual groups:

• Group A: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS).
• Group B: Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Each team will play the teams in their group twice and one team from the other group twice, while playing the remaining four teams once. Each team will also play seven matches at home and seven away.

Match Timings for IPL 2025

• Evening Matches: Start at 7:30 PM IST.
• Double-header Days: Afternoon matches begin at 3:30 PM IST followed by the evening match at 7:30 PM.

Major Rule Changes in IPL 2025

The upcoming season introduces some significant changes to the rules:

1. Saliva Ban Lifted: Fielding teams are now allowed to use saliva to shine the ball, reversing the COVID-19 protocol.
2. No Captain Bans for Slow Over-Rates: Captains will no longer be banned for repeated slow over-rate offences. Instead, they will face fines and demerit points, which will stay active for three years.
3. Hawk-eye for Wides and No-Balls: The Hawk-eye system will now be used to judge off-side wides and head-high wides, in addition to waist-high no-balls.

New Captains for IPL 2025

A total of five teams have appointed new captains for IPL 2025:

• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Ajinkya Rahane
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Rishabh Pant
• Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Rajat Patidar

Players Missing from IPL 2025

Several key players will miss some or all matches in IPL 2025 due to injuries or withdrawals:

• Jasprit Bumrah (MI): Likely to miss a few initial matches due to a back injury.
• Mayank Yadav (LSG): Ruled out for the first half of the season.
• Allah Ghazanfar, Lizaad Williams, Brydon Carse: Ruled out due to injuries.
• Harry Brook: Pulled out of the entire season.

What to Expect from IPL 2025

With five new captains, updated rules, and the introduction of Hawk-eye technology for wides and no-balls, IPL 2025 promises an exciting season. Fans can look forward to 74 action-packed matches spread across 13 cities and nail-biting clashes between some of the best cricketing talents from around the world.

The IPL 2025 schedule ensures a mix of high-profile encounters and exciting double-headers, with teams vying for a spot in the playoffs and ultimately aiming for the prestigious IPL trophy. With the addition of new rules and format continuity, IPL 2025 is expected to maintain its position as one of the biggest cricket leagues globally, drawing millions of fans both on television and online streaming platforms.

As the countdown to March 22 begins, cricket enthusiasts can brace themselves for yet another thrilling season of IPL 2025, packed with surprises, competitive spirit, and edge-of-the-seat action!

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Arisinfra Solutions Limited, Desco Infratech Limited, ATC Energies System Limited, Shri Ahimsa Naturals Limited.

The Current active IPO are Rapid Fleet Management Services, Active Infrastructures Limited,Grand Continental Hotels.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.