The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for its 18th edition in 2025, and with the tournament set to kick off on March 22 at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, cricket fans across the globe are buzzing with anticipation. As the world’s premier T20 franchise league enters adulthood, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised a season filled with excitement, innovation, and celebration. From blockbuster player acquisitions to new rules, injury updates, and grand opening ceremonies, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most memorable editions yet. Here’s a deep dive into the latest news surrounding the tournament as of March 19, 2025.
A Grand Start to the 18th Season
The IPL 2025 season will commence with a high-octane clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22. This opener will be preceded by a star-studded opening ceremony at Eden Gardens, featuring Bollywood sensations Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Dhawan, alongside a performance by renowned singer Arijit Singh. The BCCI has taken the celebration a step further this year, announcing that all 13 host venues across India will hold special ceremonies to mark the league’s 18th anniversary. These events will blend Bollywood glamour with regional cultural programs, aiming to create a festive atmosphere for fans nationwide.
This move reflects the IPL’s evolution into more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a cultural phenomenon that merges sport, entertainment, and business. With a brand value of $3.4 billion and a cumulative worth of $16.4 billion, according to a 2024 valuation study by Houlihan Lokey, the IPL continues to overshadow other cricketing events globally. Kolkata, as the home of the reigning champions, will also host the grand finale on May 25, capping off a 65-day spectacle featuring 74 matches, including 70 league games, three playoffs, and the title clash.
Teams and Schedules: What to Expect
The IPL 2025 schedule has been meticulously planned, with 12 double-header days and matches spread across 13 cities. Each of the 10 teams will play 14 league matches—seven at home and seven away—ensuring a balanced competition. The opening week alone promises thrilling encounters: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) face Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23, SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) take the field on the same day, and Punjab Kings (PBKS) square off against Gujarat Titans (GT) on March 25.
Fans are particularly excited about the return of marquee players and the debut of fresh talent. For instance, RCB’s faithful are eager to see if Virat Kohli can finally lead the franchise to an elusive IPL trophy. Meanwhile, CSK supporters are counting down the days to witness MS Dhoni in action, with speculation rife that this could be his final season. The defending champions, KKR, bolstered by the return of Venkatesh Iyer, will aim to repeat their 2024 heroics under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer.
Mega Auction Fallout: Big Moves and Bigger Salaries
The IPL 2025 mega auction, held late last year, reshaped team rosters and set new benchmarks for player valuations. Rishabh Pant emerged as the highest-paid player in IPL history, fetching a staggering INR 27 crore from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who named him captain after parting ways with KL Rahul. Punjab Kings splurged INR 26.75 crore on Shreyas Iyer, reuniting him with coach Ricky Ponting, who expressed his eagerness to work with the dynamic batsman again. These eye-watering sums underline the IPL’s financial might, with Mumbai Indians valued at $1.3 billion, surpassing even some Major League Soccer franchises.
Other notable acquisitions include Ishan Kishan, snapped up by SRH for a hefty sum to bolster their top order, and David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Mitchell Marsh joining LSG to create a formidable batting lineup. Delhi Capitals (DC) secured KL Rahul, who is expected to bat in the middle order to maintain team balance, showcasing his adaptability across formats. Meanwhile, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the youngest player in Ranji Trophy history, will make his IPL debut with Bihar, adding a fairytale element to the season.
However, not all auction moves have proceeded smoothly. England’s Harry Brook, initially signed by Delhi Capitals, pulled out of the tournament just 12 days before the start, citing personal reasons. His withdrawal has sparked debates about a potential two-year ban from future IPL editions, though no official ruling has been confirmed as of March 19.
New Rules and Regulations
The BCCI has introduced several new rules for IPL 2025 to enhance player discipline and streamline operations. Players are now barred from wearing sleeveless jerseys during presentations, and family members are prohibited from entering dressing rooms, even on practice days. Teams must travel together on the designated team bus, and fines will be imposed for missing accreditation ID cards. Additionally, batters will receive warnings for hitting LED advertising boards, a measure aimed at protecting equipment and ensuring safety.
These changes have sparked mixed reactions. While some see them as necessary for professionalism, others argue they impose unnecessary restrictions on players’ freedom. Regardless, the BCCI’s focus on structure reflects its intent to maintain the IPL’s reputation as a world-class league.
Injury Updates and Player Availability
Injury concerns have dominated headlines in the lead-up to IPL 2025. Lucknow Super Giants’ pace sensation Mayank Yadav, known for clocking speeds of 156.7 kmph, has resumed bowling in the nets as of March 17, raising hopes of an early return. However, LSG awaits fitness clearance from the BCCI, with reports suggesting he might miss the first half of the season. Team management remains optimistic, emphasizing their desire for him to be “150% fit” before taking the field.
SunRisers Hyderabad received a boost with Nitish Kumar Reddy expected to be available for their opener on March 23. The all-rounder’s recovery is a relief for SRH, who are determined to prove their 2024 dominance was no fluke under Pat Cummins’ leadership. Conversely, SRH had to replace injured pacer Brydon Carse with South Africa’s Wiaan Mulder for INR 75 lakh, a last-minute adjustment to their squad.
Mumbai Indians face a potential setback with reports indicating that Jasprit Bumrah might not bowl in the first two weeks of the tournament. While the news remains unconfirmed, it could impact MI’s early campaign, given Bumrah’s pivotal role in their bowling attack.
Star Power and Leadership Dynamics
Captaincy changes and player performances are central to IPL 2025 narratives. Rishabh Pant’s move to LSG as the highest-paid captain at INR 27 crore has set high expectations, while Ajinkya Rahane, leading Rajasthan Royals (RR), earns the lowest captain’s salary at INR 1.5 crore. Other notable skippers include Axar Patel (DC) and Shubman Gill (GT) at INR 16.5 crore each, Hardik Pandya (MI) at INR 16.35 crore, and Rajat Patidar (RCB) at INR 11 crore.
Virat Kohli, though no longer RCB’s captain, remains the focal point of their campaign. Former teammate AB de Villiers recently opined that Kohli doesn’t need to alter his strike rate, citing his consistency and ability to anchor innings. De Villiers also suggested that an IPL title would be the “perfect finishing touch” to Kohli’s illustrious career, a sentiment echoed by fans longing for RCB’s maiden triumph.
MS Dhoni’s participation continues to captivate attention. Retained by CSK as an uncapped player, the 43-year-old stepped down as captain in 2024, handing the reins to Ruturaj Gaikwad. Many speculate that IPL 2025 could be his swan song, though Dhoni’s history of understated exits—he retired from international cricket quietly in 2020—suggests he might not seek a grand farewell. For now, his presence alone ensures a sea of yellow in the stands.
Emerging Talent and Debutants
IPL 2025 will showcase a wave of new talent, with debutants like Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar), Priyansh Arya (PBKS), and Josh Inglis drawing attention. Arya, who smashed 608 runs in the Delhi Premier League, earned a INR 3.8 crore deal with Punjab Kings, while Inglis brings international experience to the mix. These youngsters will share the stage with established stars, embodying the IPL’s ethos of “where talent meets opportunity.”
Controversies and Criticism
Not all news is celebratory. Former RCB spinner Shadab Jakati recently criticized the franchise for focusing on just “2-3 players” rather than building a cohesive unit, a strategy he believes has cost them a title. Similarly, ex-India pacer Venkatesh Prasad questioned RCB’s lack of investment in local talent, reigniting debates about their team-building approach.
England star Harry Brook’s withdrawal has also raised eyebrows, with some questioning the commitment of overseas players to the IPL. While personal circumstances are cited, the incident underscores the challenges of managing a global tournament with players juggling multiple commitments.
Broadcasting and Fan Engagement
Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports and JioHotstar, with Jio customers requiring a recharge of INR 299 or higher to stream matches. The IPL’s digital reach continues to grow, amplifying its global fanbase. Social media is abuzz with predictions, memes, and banter—such as Virat Kohli’s playful exchange with Phil Salt at an RCB event—keeping the excitement alive.
Looking Ahead
As IPL 2025 dawns, the stakes are higher than ever. Will KKR defend their crown? Can RCB finally break their trophy drought? Is this Dhoni’s last dance? With a blend of seasoned veterans, emerging stars, and strategic masterminds, the 18th season promises drama, brilliance, and unpredictability. As the first ball is bowled on March 22 2025 the cricketing world will once again turn its eyes to India, where the IPL continues to redefine the sport.
