The excitement for the 2025 season of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) is palpable as festivities kick off in full swing across India. This year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is rolling out only its second edition of Fan Parks, aimed at enhancing the game-watching experience for cricket fans and making the IPL accessible to more viewers across the country.
This time around, Tata IPL Fan Parks will be set up across 50 cities in 23 states starting from March 22, 2025, promising an electrifying experience for fans nationwide. These Fan Parks will offer live match screenings, a variety of interactive entertainment options, vibrant food courts, children's play zones, and engaging activities like a virtual batting zone, face painting, and 360-degree photo booths. Such amenities are designed to capture the fervor of IPL matches while catering to families and cricket lovers of all ages.
According to a BCCI media release, the inaugural Fan Parks for the season will take place in locations such as Rohtak, Bikaner, Gangtok, Kochi, and Coimbatore. This initiative signifies the first Fan Parks' introduction in cities including Kakinada, Dimapur, Karaikal, Manbhum, Purulia, and Tinsukia, aimed at driving home the importance of bringing cricket closer to fans everywhere.
“The IPL Fan Parks are a crucial part of our vision to bring the tournament closer to fans across India. By hosting these events in multiple cities and towns, we aim to recreate the electrifying stadium atmosphere and allow fans to celebrate the IPL together,” said IPL Chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. “This initiative strengthens our bond with cricket enthusiasts nationwide, ensuring they experience the excitement and passion of the sport in a lively and vibrant setting.”
As the IPL gears up for the 2025 season, another exciting development comes from JioStar, which has unveiled its second edition of the Brand Spotlight initiative. JioStar's campaign will feature marquee brands like My11Circle, GPay, and PhonePe, showcasing their commercials during the IPL’s critical opening six overs. This innovative platform is designed to maximize brand visibility during one of the most anticipated moments in the sports calendar.
“Brand Spotlight places brands at the center of this excitement, providing a one-of-a-kind platform to engage millions at scale. At JioStar, we are offering exclusive opportunities across TV and Digital, enabling advertisers to turn campaigns into cultural moments that resonate far beyond the first ball,” explained Ishan Chatterjee, chief business officer for Sports Revenue at JioStar.
This initiative notably extends to linear television for the first time, allowing sponsors to capitalize on viewership during the opening game broadcast on Star Sports. JioStar aims to create an unprecedented visibility platform across various channels, turning marketing efforts into higher engagement opportunities. The previous season saw a tremendous success with this concept, where six key brands captured audience attention in the opening match.
Meanwhile, excitement continues to build for the grand opening ceremony of IPL 2025 at the illustrious Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Scheduled for the 22nd of March, this year's ceremony will celebrate 18 years of IPL glory with performances from musical icons such as Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani. Fans can look forward to a high-energy show filled with amazing performances that reflect the cultural significance of cricket in the nation.
Shreya Ghoshal is set to deliver a soulful performance, celebrating the past while adding a modern flair to the festivities. Additionally, Disha Patani will captivate the audience with her dynamic dance acts, complementing the festive atmosphere with her Bollywood charm. This event promises to be a spectacular showcase to kick off the IPL season with both flair and fervor.
Moreover, as part of a larger celebration leading up to the IPL season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) unveiled their squad at the Knights Unplugged 2.0 event on March 19, 2025. Over 5,000 fans gathered at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan to witness their favorite stars. Captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed his excitement about leading the team again while vice-captain Venkatesh Iyer echoed sentiments of gratitude towards the franchise. “It’s great to be back with KKR and an honour to lead this wonderful franchise with its rich history,” Rahane stated.
Fans were treated to a showcase of KKR’s three championship trophies and engaging activities that further integrated them into the Knight Riders experience. Venky Mysore, KKR’s CEO, thanked the passionate fans, emphasizing their role in energizing the squad each time the team takes to the field.
The anticipation for the IPL season is evidently infectious, uniting fans from all walks of life to celebrate cricket together. With innovative Fan Parks, a powerful advertising platform through JioStar, an extravagant opening ceremony, and the Kolkata Knight Riders rallying their supporters, the IPL 2025 season promises an exhilarating experience that cricket fans will surely relish. The IPL not only reflects sporting excellence but also showcases the vibrant culture and community spirit of India, making it a cherished event in the nation's fabric.
