Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to launch their first-ever Trophy Tour, giving fans across India the chance to celebrate the franchise's recent victories as the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season approaches. After clinching their third IPL title last year, KKR will take the coveted trophy on the road, visiting multiple cities to engage with their dedicated supporters.
The Trophy Tour will commence on February 14, 2025, starting in Guwahati and culminating with its return to Kolkata on March 16. This unprecedented event marks the first time any IPL franchise has organized such a nationwide tour. KKR will visit nine cities, including Bhubaneswar, Jamshedpur, Ranchi, Gangtok, Siliguri, Patna, and Durgapur, aiming to connect with fans who have been pivotal to their success.
“The initiative aims to give the nationwide KKR fans a chance to interact with the trophy and witness their favourite team’s achievement in all its glory,” the franchise noted. Exciting activities are planned for attendees, including cricket-themed games such as Cricket Rock Paper Scissors and Cricket Pong, where fans can win KKR merchandise and other exciting prizes.
Binda Dey, Group CMO of Knight Riders Sports, expressed enthusiasm over the initiative, stating, “This tour is our attempt at bringing back to the fans the trophy our players had won through their constant love and support last season.” This tour is particularly significant as KKR missed out on hosting a victory parade in Kolkata after their title win.
Meanwhile, significant changes are also shaping the IPL 2025 season with reports of Ahmedabad-based conglomerate Torrent Group acquiring a majority stake in the Gujarat Titans (GT). According to The Economic Times, Torrent Group is poised to buy 66 percent of GT, originally purchased by CVC Capital Partners. The transaction's estimated value is around Rs 7,500 crore, with Torrent expected to pay Rs 5,025 crore for the controlling share.
This acquisition marks the first time since the establishment of the IPL 18 years ago when majority stakes are being sold, generating substantial buzz within the league's ecosystem. CVC Capital Partners, after the sale, will retain 34 percent ownership. It’s worth noting the franchise has been lucrative, generating considerable revenue for its owners since winning the IPL title under Hardik Pandya's leadership during their inaugural season.
Complicities surround this transaction due to existing BCCI regulations which prevent franchise owners from selling stake within the first three years following acquisition. The deal between Torrent and CVC has been anticipated for over a year, and both parties are eager to finalize arrangements before the IPL 2025 season begins on March 23, 2025. This acquisition will make GT one of the most valuable franchises, with the sale price surpassing the previous record set by RPSG Group.
Adding to the intrigue, the IPL community is reeling from the injury news related to rising star Allah Ghazanfar of Mumbai Indians. The young spinner, who was signed for Rs 4.8 crore at last year's IPL mega auction, has been ruled out of both the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the upcoming IPL season due to injury.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board confirmed the unfortunate news, stating, “Afghanistan's young spin-bowling sensation, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra.” Ghazanfar injured himself during Afghanistan's recent tour of Zimbabwe and will need at least four months to recover, meaning he will not be able to participate as the IPL 2025 gets underway.
Ghazanfar's performances have been outstanding, with averages of 13.57 and 13.5 for ODI and T20 formats, respectively. His rise to fame began during the 2024 U-19 World Cup and continued as he played for KKR last season, albeit without any match appearances. His absence will significantly impact the Mumbai Indians and the Afghanistan national team, prompting the selectors to promote reserve player Nangyal Kharoti for the Champions Trophy.
With the trophy tour set to engage fans through various cities, the acquisition of Gujarat Titans reshaping the franchise ownership map, and key player injuries casting shadows over team preparations, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be anything but ordinary. Only time will tell how these developments will play out as the league gears up for another thrilling season.