IPL 2025 Final Set for Kolkata; Key Matches Announced

Kolkata, India – The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced that the final of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) will take place in Kolkata, with qualifying matches slated for Hyderabad. This season kicks off on March 22, 2025, highlighting India’s vibrant cricket culture as fans eagerly await the action.

The IPL, now entering its 18th season, remains the world’s most lucrative franchise-based cricket tournament. The opening match will feature the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

In another notable match, Sunrisers Hyderabad will contend against the Rajasthan Royals on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Initially, KKR was set to play against Lucknow Super Giants on April 6, but this fixture has been moved to April 8.

This year’s tournament maintains the same format as the previous season, comprising 10 teams split into two groups of five. Each team will compete twice against other teams in its group and once against designated teams from the opposite group, concluding the league stage by May 18.

The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, beginning with Qualifier 1 on May 20 in Hyderabad. The final, scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata, promises to be a grand celebration of cricket.

Overall, the IPL 2025 will feature 74 matches across 13 venues, with Eden Gardens hosting the final for the first time in a decade.

Three teams will play at two different home venues: Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, Punjab Kings in Chandigarh and Dharamsala, and Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati and Jaipur. Each match day will feature 12 double headers, with afternoon games commencing at 3:30 PM and evening matches beginning at 7:30 PM.

The IPL’s reputation for financial success continues to grow, with a reported brand valuation rising from $2 billion in 2009 to $12 billion in 2024, according to a Brand Finance report. This ascent is attributed to robust media rights deals, a surge in revenue pools, and enhanced attendance post-pandemic.

The IPL has garnered significant global interest, leading other cricket-playing nations to establish similar franchises. As international cricket takes a backseat during IPL’s two-month tenure, the tournament plays a crucial role in shaping cricketing dynamics worldwide.

The influence of the IPL extends beyond mere entertainment, with serious discussions around revenue distribution and the necessity for regulatory frameworks in player movement, as highlighted by the World Cricketers’ Association.

As anticipation builds, cricket fans across the globe look forward to the 2025 IPL, celebrating talent, competition, and the spirit of the game.