New Delhi: The world’s biggest cricket extravaganza, the Indian Premier League (IPL), is gearing up for its 18th season, set to commence on March 14, 2025, and culminate with the final on May 25, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled a packed schedule, shared auction plans, and outlined the roadmap for the next three IPL seasons, ensuring excitement for fans and teams alike.
Mega Auction in Jeddah: A First for the IPL
For the first time in IPL history, the mega auction will be held overseas in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25, 2024. The auction will see a pool of 574 players vying for spots, although only 204 slots are available across the 10 franchises.
In a strategic move, the BCCI has included prominent names like England pacer Jofra Archer, Indian-American fast bowler Saurabh Netravalkar, and Mumbai’s young wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamor in the auction lineup. Archer, recovering from injuries, aims to make a strong comeback, while Netravalkar’s stellar performance in the T20 World Cup for the US has brought him into the spotlight.
Notable Controversy Over Auction List
The inclusion of Netravalkar sparked discussions, especially as Unmukt Chand, another Indian-American player and former U-19 World Cup-winning captain, was omitted. Chand was notably absent from the US squad in the T20 World Cup, raising eyebrows over the selection process.
2025 IPL Season: What’s in Store?
- Match Schedule: The season will feature 74 matches, maintaining the same number as the last three seasons.
- Duration: The tournament will run from March 14 to May 25, 2025, aligning with the IPL’s traditional two-month window.
- Finals on Sundays: The BCCI has confirmed that finals for the next three seasons—2025, 2026, and 2027—will all be played on Sundays for maximum viewership.
A Glance at the Future
- IPL 2026: March 15 to May 31.
- IPL 2027: March 14 to May 30.
Jofra Archer’s Comeback Bid
Jofra Archer, who missed the 2024 IPL due to an elbow injury, is set to return to the auction pool. His inclusion is highly anticipated, with franchises eager to see if the pacer can reclaim his form.
Saurabh Netravalkar’s Remarkable Journey
Saurabh Netravalkar’s inclusion marks a significant moment for Indian-American cricketers. A former Mumbai Ranji player and India U-19 star, Netravalkar moved to the US for academic pursuits, earning a degree in computer engineering and working at Oracle while representing the US cricket team. His performance in the T20 World Cup has earned him a well-deserved spotlight.
Media Rights and Growing Viewership
With the IPL media rights for 2023-27 already sold, the league’s growing global reach and fanbase are expected to drive even greater engagement in upcoming seasons.
The 18th season of the IPL promises thrilling cricket, fresh talent, and high-stakes competition, all while breaking new ground with a mega auction held abroad. As teams strategize for the future, fans worldwide are counting down to the tournament that redefines cricketing excellence year after year.
