The countdown for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has begun, and cricket enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the official schedule. While it has been confirmed that the 18th edition of IPL will kick off on March 21, 2025, the complete IPL 2025 schedule is yet to be announced. However, according to Sports Tak, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to release the complete schedule within the next week.
Big Reveal: Two Teams to Play Home Games at Neutral Venues
Insider reports suggest that two franchises will play their home games at alternate venues:
- Delhi Capitals (DC) will host two of their home matches in Vizag.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR), the 2008 IPL champions, will also play two home games at a neutral venue, though the exact location remains undecided.
Confirmed IPL 2025 Timeline & Playoff Venues
IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla recently confirmed that the tournament will begin with grandeur on March 21, 2025, while the final is scheduled for May 25. The playoff matches will be held at two iconic stadiums:
- The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, will host the first two playoffs.
- The Eden Gardens, Kolkata, will be the venue for the second playoff and the grand finale.
New Regulations: IPL Aligns with ICC Code of Conduct
A significant change in the IPL 2025 season is its alignment with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct regulations. Previously, the IPL had its own set of rules, but moving forward, all players and teams will adhere to the global standards set by the ICC.
IPL 2025 Mega Auction: Record-Breaking Bids & Surprising Unsold Players
The ten IPL franchises underwent major squad revamps during the mega-auction held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in November 2024. Here are some key takeaways:
- A total of 182 players were sold for a combined ₹639.15 crore.
- India’s Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history, fetching an astonishing ₹27 crore.
- He was followed by:
- Shreyas Iyer – ₹26.75 crore
- Venkatesh Iyer – ₹23.75 crore
- However, some big names failed to attract any bids, including:
- David Warner
- Prithvi Shaw
- Shardul Thakur
With teams making strategic acquisitions and fresh regulations in place, IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling season. Stay tuned for the official schedule announcement from BCCI in the coming days!