IPL 2025:

IPL, cricket world’s melting pot, has entered the territory of adulthood. The 2025 edition will be the one where IPL turns 18. That long, eh? It seems just yesterday that Brendon McCullum, donning the black and gold of Kolkata Knight Riders, blasted his way into IPL history books as he smashed Royal Challengers Bangalore (now Bengaluru) bowlers into smithereens.

It’s that time of the year again when the cricket world digs into a heavy diet of T20 cricket lasting just over two months. Unlikely alliances are forged, and old rivalries go for a toss. 

IPL has come a long way since McCullum’s iconic innings laid down the marker back in April 2008. It has grown bigger, become richer and more importantly is consistently doing what it was idealised to – serve a platform for budding Indian cricketers to perform and announce their arrival culminating into overnight stardom and a ticket to international cricket.

So, what has IPL 2025 in store for us? New captains? New rules? Records? Yes to all.

Here’s a ready reckoner

When does IPL 2025 start and when does it end?

The final of IPL 2025 will be held on May 25 in Kolkata.

The season gets underway from March 22 when Kolkata Knight Riders host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. Deja vu? Yup. These are the same two opponents who set the IPL ball rolling all those years ago on that memorable night in 2008 at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Interestingly, this is the first time since then that these two opponents are opening a season.

How many matches this IPL?

Well, same as last season – 74 including three playoffs (two qualifiers and an eliminator) and a final.

So, 10 teams which means 10 venues?

Nope. Besides the 10 cities out of which these franchises are based out of, additional three venues will also get to host IPL matches. Delhi Capitals will play their two matches in Visakhapatnam while Rajasthan Royals will have Guwahati as their home venue for two matches as well. On the other hand, Punjab Kings are scheduled to play three matches in Dharamsala.

Is there an opening ceremony?

Umm…How about opening ceremonies? Yup, that’s right. As per reports, to commemorate the 18th season of IPL, the BCCI is planning to host opening ceremonies at all 13 venues.

Eden Gardens though will host the grand ceremony that will see the likes of Shreya Ghosal, Karan Aujla and Disha Patani entertain the fans.

Have there been any changes in captaincies?

Yes, as many as five teams will have a new captain this year

Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane

Punjab Kings: Shreyas Iyer

Delhi Capitals: Axar Patel

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar

Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant

So are there any new rules you should know?

There are a few. Strangely, they were finalised at a captain’s briefing two days before the opening match of the season.

Saliva ban revoked

Second new ball to be used after the 11th over of 2nd innings to counter dew factor

Wide outside off stump and over-the-head wide deliveries to be judged using Hawk-Eye technology

Over-rate offence won’t culminate into captain being banned. Instead, such offence will now lead to fines and on-field restrictions.

Demerit points: Any sanction from match referee will result in demerit points. Accumulations of these points could result in suspension of player/match official.

Who is the oldest player in IPL 2025?

Chennai Super Kings’ MS Dhoni, who will be playing in his 18th straight IPL, is the oldest this season at 42 years.

Who is the youngest then? 

Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals at 13 years is the youngest ever player in IPL history.

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