The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with tremendous fanfare and excitement. This year’s tournament sees defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Kolkata's Eden Gardens will not just host the season-opening match, but it’s also set to be the venue for the grand final on May 25, 2025. The introduction of the new season brings with it a slew of expectations and innovations aimed at enhancing the experience for players and fans alike.
One of the most talked-about changes this season is the lifting of the saliva ban, a significant alteration agreed upon during the captains’ meeting held in Mumbai. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reached a majority consensus, allowing players to apply saliva on the ball once again. This decision is expected to add a layer of strategy and classic cricketing practice back into the game.
Moreover, to address the challenges posed by dew in evening matches, the IPL will introduce a fresh ball from the 11th over, provided that the on-field umpires deem the dew factor significant. This tactical innovation is likely to influence match outcomes, as previous seasons saw high scores hindered by slippery conditions. The Decision Review System, which has expanded to include height wides and off-side wides, continues, ensuring a fairer adjudication for all deliveries.
As IPL 2025 kicks off, expectations are high for the fresh leadership across several teams. With seven franchises introducing new captains, the most notable change is Rajat Patidar leading the RCB—an organization that boasts top players, including superstar Virat Kohli. Will this new leadership style pay off for RCB, or will KKR’s seasoned experience dictate the early stages of the tournament?
In addition to nail-biting cricket, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony is poised to dazzle fans with spectacular performances. The live event will begin at 6 PM IST, just before the first match starts. Major artists set to perform include Bollywood sensations like Disha Patani and Shraddha Kapoor, as well as international pop sensation OneRepublic, creating an atmosphere of entertainment parallel to the sporting events.
While live music enriches the IPL experience, ticket prices vary widely—from Rs 3,000 for general entry to Rs 30,000 for premium seats—catering to a broad range of cricket fans eager to watch the thrilling spectacle in person. Tickets can be conveniently booked online through platforms like BookMyShow and Paytm Insider as enthusiasm for the season intensifies.
Fans looking to catch the opening ceremony and the subsequent matches have plenty of options. The live telecast will be available on the Star Sports Network. For those preferring online streaming, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar (now JioHotstar) offer access to the matches—all you need is a subscription, with the option for complimentary viewing with specific recharge plans.
For fans in the United States, Willow TV will hold exclusive broadcasting rights, covering the IPL across various platforms, including streaming services such as Fubo and Sling TV. The new season kicks off with KKR versus RCB on March 22, at 10 AM ET/7 AM PT. For cricket lovers globally, adjustments to time zones have set the stage for an international audience eager to tune in.
However, the season has already faced challenges, with reports of weather concerns threatening the inaugural match. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for South Bengal, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy rains during the match window. There's a 74% chance it will rain on match day, which increases to 90% by the evening when the match is scheduled to start. If the match is abandoned due to rain, the points will be divided equally between KKR and RCB. Grounds crews are prepared, having covered the field well in advance to mitigate the impact of potential rain.
As the IPL races toward its opening day, security issues also loom. A match scheduled in April involving KKR has been proposed to be shifted to Guwahati due to concerns related to Ram Navami, showcasing the league's determination to prioritize safety for players and fans alike. The IPL’s dynamic environment, including fluctuating schedules and leadership changes, will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Through its long-standing tradition in the landscape of cricket, the IPL continues to captivate audiences and shape the game, promising thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments ahead. With the opening day just around the corner, fans around the world can expect nothing less than a celebration of cricket, culture, and camaraderie as the world tunes in to witness the spectacular IPL 2025!
