IPL 2025: The countdown to the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has officially begun! In a highly anticipated announcement, BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that IPL 2025 is set to begin on March 23, 2025. However, insiders suggest the tournament may start earlier, on March 21, due to scheduling preferences and broadcaster demands.
This revelation came after the BCCI’s Special General Meeting in Mumbai, where several key decisions about Indian cricket’s future were discussed. Alongside the IPL announcement, Rajeev Shukla provided updates on WPL scheduling, changes in BCCI leadership, and preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy.
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IPL 2025 Start Date Confirmed: BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla Drops Major Announcement
Why the March 21 Start Date Makes Sense
Although Shukla announced March 23 as the official start date, reports from reliable sources such as ESPNcricinfo and PTI suggest the IPL may begin on March 21, a Friday. The earlier start aligns with broadcaster preferences for weekend doubleheaders, allowing fans to dive into an action-packed first few days of the tournament.
The revised date also ensures a 10-day recovery window for Indian players returning from the ICC Champions Trophy, which concludes on March 9, 2025. This break will give players time to recharge before joining their respective franchises for the grueling 66 day IPL schedule.
IPL 2025: What We Know So Far
- Start Date: March 21 (tentative) or March 23, 2025 (as per Shukla’s announcement).
- Final Match: Likely on May 25, 2025, at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens.
- Duration: The tournament will span 66 days, following the traditional format of league matches and playoffs.
- Mega Auction Recap: Held in November 2024, the auction saw record-breaking bids, with Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player in IPL history at ₹27 crore.
Impact of ICC Champions Trophy on IPL Scheduling
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to conclude on March 9, posed a scheduling challenge for the IPL. The tight turnaround required careful planning to ensure Indian players were well rested before transitioning to the IPL.
The earlier start date (March 21) not only accommodates this recovery period but also gives state associations adequate time to prepare pitches for the tournament.
What About the WPL 2025?
While Rajeev Shukla confirmed the IPL start date, there is still no clarity on the schedule for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025. The WPL is expected to begin on February 7 and conclude on March 2, giving state associations a month to prepare for the IPL.
The caravan format of the WPL adds another layer of complexity, with venues like Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Vadodara vying to host matches. Some of these cities are also IPL hubs, which may lead to logistical challenges for pitch preparation and scheduling.
Key Highlights from the BCCI Meeting
The BCCI meeting on January 12, 2025, covered more than just the IPL schedule. Other major updates include:
- Leadership Changes: Devajit Saikia was named the new BCCI Secretary, replacing Jay Shah, while Prabhtej Singh Bhatia took over as Treasurer.
- Champions Trophy Squad Selection: Meetings for India’s squad selection are scheduled between January 18-19.
- Performance Review: Discussions were held on India’s recent poor performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and ODI series against New Zealand, signaling potential course corrections.
A Look Back: IPL 2025 Auction Recap
The IPL 2025 mega auction, held in Jeddah, shattered records as franchises spent a whopping ₹639.15 crore to secure top talent. Notable highlights include:
- Rishabh Pant: Became the most expensive IPL player ever at ₹27 crore.
- Shreyas Iyer: Signed by PBKS for ₹26.75 crore and named captain.
- Venkatesh Iyer: Bagged ₹23.75 crore, underscoring his value as an all-rounder.
Interestingly, seasoned players like David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, and Shardul Thakur went unsold, signaling a shift in franchise strategies toward younger talent.
What’s Next for IPL Fans?
As the IPL 2025 start date draws closer, excitement is building among fans and players alike. Here’s what to expect in the lead up to the tournament:
- Venue Announcements: Finalized stadium lists for both IPL and WPL.
- Team Preparations: Squads will begin pre-tournament training camps in early March.
- Fixtures Release: The official IPL 2025 schedule, including dates and match venues, is expected in February.
With IPL 2025 shaping up to be another thrilling edition, fans can look forward to blockbuster matchups, record breaking performances, and a renewed focus on India’s cricketing future. Whether the tournament starts on March 21 or March 23, one thing is certain, cricket fever will grip the nation once again.
FAQs
When does IPL 2025 start?
IPL 2025 is set to start on March 21 or March 23, as per reports and announcements
What is the IPL 2025 final date?
The final is likely to be played on May 25, 2025, at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens
