Key Points:
- IPL 2025 will kick off on March 23, with the final tentatively scheduled for June 2, as per BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla.
- The tournament will feature 74 matches, maintaining the schedule format of the past three seasons.
- Future seasons: IPL 2026 (March 15–May 31) and IPL 2027 (March 14–May 30) to include 84 matches each.
- The delay in starting IPL 2025 accounts for player recovery after the ICC Champions Trophy (Feb 19–Mar 9).
- BCCI’s special general meeting announced new appointments, with Devajit Sakia as Secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as Vice-President.
Mumbai: The countdown to cricket’s most anticipated annual tournament has begun, as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 23, with the final likely to be held on June 2. This announcement came from BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla during the board’s special general meeting, where major decisions about the IPL and upcoming cricket schedules were discussed.
Why the Delay? Balancing ICC Events and IPL Preparation
Originally planned for a March 14 start, IPL 2025 has been pushed by a week to accommodate players’ recovery following the ICC Champions Trophy, which runs from February 19 to March 9. This decision ensures players from eight participating nations have at least two weeks to recuperate before joining their respective IPL franchises.
The BCCI has strategically utilized this interval to allow teams to establish training camps, ensuring full participation from both international and domestic players. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Super League (PSL), initially scheduled to overlap with the Champions Trophy, has been postponed and will commence after the ICC event concludes.
What’s New in IPL 2025?
For the 2025 season, the IPL Governing Council has retained the number of matches at 74, continuing the format introduced in recent years to balance players’ workload. However, significant expansion is on the horizon:
- IPL 2026 will feature 84 matches, scheduled from March 15 to May 31.
- IPL 2027 will also host 84 matches, spanning March 14 to May 30.
This growth aligns with the league’s vision to expand its reach while maintaining high performance standards among cricketers.
BCCI Special General Meeting: Key Takeaways
The BCCI’s special general meeting provided updates not just on IPL but also on broader cricketing matters. Highlights include:
- Leadership Changes:
- Devajit Sakia appointed as BCCI Secretary.
- Prabhtej Singh Bhatia assumes the role of Vice-President.
- Upcoming Team Announcements:
- The ODI squad for India’s England tour will be announced soon.
- Team selection for the ICC Champions Trophy is also on the agenda.
- Focus on Comprehensive Scheduling:
BCCI emphasized creating an integrated calendar that accommodates international tournaments, IPL schedules, and domestic cricket.
IPL 2025: A Tournament of Anticipation
As the BCCI finalizes the IPL 2025 fixtures, cricket fans worldwide eagerly await the tournament’s electrifying action. With the ICC Champions Trophy paving the way for IPL, followed by expanded seasons in subsequent years, the league is poised to captivate audiences with its dynamic evolution.
Rajeev Shukla, while addressing the media, said, “IPL 2025 promises to deliver the same level of excitement and quality cricket that fans have come to expect. The extended window ensures the players’ well-being and maintains the tournament’s integrity.”
As IPL 2025 gears up, the cricketing world watches with bated breath, ready for the thrilling battles, star performances, and unforgettable moments that define the IPL legacy.
