The much-anticipated 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has undergone a minor schedule adjustment. The tournament, initially slated to commence on March 14, will now begin a week later on March 21 in Kolkata.
The grand finale will likely occur on May 25 at the iconic Eden Gardens. Fans and those interested in platforms like betpro exchange will now have to wait an extra week for the action to begin.
Reasons Behind the Schedule Shift
Initial Communication
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had indicated that the tournament would run from March 14 to May 25, 2025, in a November 22 communication to IPL franchises ahead of the auction in Jeddah. The dates were announced alongside the schedules for the next two IPL seasons.
Indicative Window or Schedule?
Sources suggest the earlier dates indicated the reserved window rather than the finalized schedule.
Broadcaster Influence
One theory behind the delay revolves around a request from broadcasters. With the Champions Trophy final scheduled for March 9, broadcasters reportedly sought a later IPL start to avoid scheduling conflicts and maximize viewership. However, insiders from the broadcasting network have denied making such a request.
Key Venues for IPL 2025
The IPL opener and final will be held at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, home to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the IPL 2024 season champions.
This aligns with IPL tradition, where the defending champions’ home city hosts these marquee games.
Playoff matches have also been assigned, with SunRisers Hyderabad, last season’s runners-up, hosting two playoff games.
Official Announcement of Final Schedule
The exact schedule for IPL 2025 is expected to be revealed soon. This follows the election of a full-term BCCI administration, with Devjit Saikia assuming the role of secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as treasurer.
Their election was confirmed during the Mumbai BCCI Special General Meeting held on January 12, 2025.
Updates on Women’s Premier League (WPL)
BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla confirmed that the Women’s Premier League (WPL) venues have been finalized. In a related development, the official announcement regarding WPL venues will follow shortly.
Champions Trophy Squad Announcement
Adding to the cricketing excitement, the Indian squad for the Champions Trophy will be announced on January 17 or 18.
Rajiv Shukla also shared this update. The Champions Trophy remains a significant event in the cricketing calendar, and fans eagerly await the announcement.
To read more blog: Best Bowling Figures in IPL History: Top Performances of All Time
Final Thoughts
The 18th IPL season promises thrilling cricketing action, with a slight tweak in its schedule. The tournament will kick off on March 21 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, maintaining the tradition of honouring the previous season’s champions. As cricket fever continues to grip the nation, fans can also look forward to updates on the WPL and Champions Trophy.
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