 "IPL defending champions KKR take on RCB in opening match of 2025 season. Image: PTI")
Contrary to BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla’s claim that the Indian Premier League 2025 will start on 23 March , it was reported on Thursday that the upcoming IPL will kick off a day earlier, on 22 March. The first match of IPL 2025 will be played between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Cricbuzz said.
This will be the first match for Rajat Patidar as RCB captain. The Madhya Pradesh was named as Faf du Plessis’ replacement on Thursday .
IPL 2025 final on 25 May at Eden Gardens
The IPL 2025 final will reportedly be held on 25 May at the home of the defending champions KKR – Eden Gardens. The report added that BCCI has already shared the key dates with franchises, however, the official announcement has still not been made.
It has also been reported that the start of IPL 2025 was preponed from 23 March to 22 March at the request of the broadcasters who wanted a Saturday start for the tournament. On 23 March, Sunrisers Hyderabad will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.
The IPL 2025 matches will be played across 12 venues. The 10 regular venues are Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata and Hyderabad. The matches will also be held at Guwahati and Dharamsala.
Rajasthan Royals are set to play two matches in Guwahati, on 26 and 30 March, against KKR and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Punjab Kings (PBKS) are expected to play at least two matches and a maximum of three games in Dharamsala.
The Qualifier 1 and Eliminator will reportedly take place in Hyderabad while the Qualifier 2 and the final will be played in Kolkata.