The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with the final scheduled for May 25, 2025. The tournament will feature matches across thirteen cities, leading to some teams adopting multiple home venues to maximize fan engagement.

Teams with Multiple Home Venues:

• Delhi Capitals (DC): Matches in Delhi and Visakhapatnam.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Games hosted in Mullanpur and Dharamsala.
• Rajasthan Royals (RR): Fixtures in Jaipur and Guwahati.

Tournament Format:

The structure remains consistent with previous seasons:

• Two Groups:

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

• Match Distribution: Each team will play 14 matches—seven at home and seven away.

• Match Timings:

  • Evening games: Start at 7:30 PM IST.
  • Double-headers: Afternoon matches commence at 3:30 PM IST, followed by the evening game.

Notable Player Transfers:

The 2025 season has witnessed significant player movements:

• KL Rahul: Transferred to Delhi Capitals (DC).
• Yuzvendra Chahal: Moved to Punjab Kings (PBKS).
• Ravichandran Ashwin: Joined Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

Support Staff Changes:

Several franchises have revamped their coaching and support teams:

• Ricky Ponting: Assumes a new role, bringing his expertise to the league.
• Rahul Dravid: Transitions into a pivotal position within the IPL ecosystem.

Top-Paid Players of IPL 2025:

The auction spotlighted several high-profile acquisitions:

• Rishabh Pant: Commanded a record-breaking bid, becoming the most expensive player.
• Shreyas Iyer: Secured a lucrative contract reflecting his consistent performance.
• Venkatesh Iyer: Attracted significant attention, leading to a substantial deal.
• Heinrich Klaasen: Valued for his versatility, resulting in a noteworthy contract.

Rule Changes for IPL 2025:

The BCCI has introduced several amendments to enhance the competition:

• Saliva Use: The traditional practice of applying saliva to the ball has been reinstated, reversing the pandemic-era prohibition.

• Hawk-Eye Technology: Implemented to assist in decision-making, aiming to reduce umpiring errors.

• Over-Rate Penalties: Captains will now accrue demerit points for slow over rates, replacing the previous system of immediate match bans.

Broadcast and Streaming:

Fans worldwide can catch the live action through various platforms:

• India: Matches will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.

• United States: Coverage available via Willow TV.

• United Kingdom: Fans can tune in through Sky Sports.

MS Dhoni's Remarkable Return:

At 43 years old, the legendary MS Dhoni is set to make a comeback as an uncapped player for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), adding a nostalgic touch to the season.

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, anticipation builds for thrilling matches, strategic masterstrokes, and memorable performances. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating cricketing spectacle.