 "Delhi Capitals team in action during IPL 2024. Image: AP")
Visakhapatnam will once again serve as Delhi Capitals’ second home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL), continuing its role from last season. The coastal city hosted two games for the franchise in IPL 2024, where they suffered defeats against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). It has now been reported that Vizag’s ACA-VDCA Stadium will once again be second home to Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025 .
However, the venues are the least of Delhi Capitals’ concerns as they have bigger decisions to make ahead of the new season. The team is yet to appoint a new captain after Rishabh Pant, who was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants at the IPL 2025 auctions. Axar Patel is expected to be named Pant’s replacement as he was the vice-captain of the team last year.
IPL 2025 to be played across 12 venues
According to ESPNcricinfo, Vizag is one of three non-regular venues set to host IPL matches this season, alongside Guwahati and Dharamsala. Rajasthan Royals have opted for Guwahati as their second home like the previous season, while, Punjab Kings will continue to use Dharamsala as their alternate venue. As per the report, Punjab Kings will play three matches at Dharamsala stadium in the IPL 2025 season as compared to just two games last year.
KKR vs RCB clash set as IPL 2025 opener
The IPL 2025 season is set to begin with a high-profile clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on 22 March. According to the report, last year’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad, will open their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in a day game on 23 March. Later that evening, arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are expected to face off at Chepauk in one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the tournament.
The full schedule for IPL 2025 is yet to be officially released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), but the final is reportedly set for 25 May. The IPL will reportedly start on 22 March, just 12 days after the final of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The marquee ICC event is slated to be played in Pakistan and the UAE from 19 February to 9 March. The Indian cricket team has reportedly arrived in Dubai to start preparations ahead of their opening game against Bangladesh on 20 February.