IPL Latest News

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have announced their captain for the IPL 2025 season after the defending champions released Shreyas Iyer who will now lead Punjab Kings this season. KKR unveiled Ajinkya Rahane as their captain for IPL 2025 while Venkatesh Iyer has been named his deputy.

Delhi Capitals are the only team who is yet to announce their captain. Rishabh Pant led Delhi last season but was not retained and in IPL 2025 the left-handed batter will lead his new team Lucknow Super Giants. In IPL 2025, Chennai Super Kings will be led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson will captain Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians have decided to continue with Hardik Pandya as their leader while Shubman Gill and Pat Cummins will lead Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, respectively. Earlier, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had named Rajat Patidar as their captain for the IPL 2025 season.

Rahane is set to return to KKR for a second time, having previously represented the franchise in 2022. During that season, he struggled with the bat, managing just 133 runs across seven games at a strike rate of 103.90.

His experience as an IPL captain includes leading Rising Pune Super Giant in a single match in 2017 and overseeing Rajasthan Royals for 24 games between 2018 and 2019. However, his captaincy stint with Rajasthan was cut short midway through the 2019 season when Steve Smith took over the leadership role.

Rahane is widely regarded as a capable leader, having played a crucial role in India's memorable Test series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 season. On the domestic front, he has successfully led Mumbai to multiple titles, including the 2024-25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He was the tournament’s top scorer, amassing 469 runs at an impressive strike rate of 164.56, averaging over 58.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 edition begins on March 22 with the final scheduled to be played on May 25. This 18th edition of the tournament promises thrilling matches, featuring marquee clashes between the 10 teams. The opening match will see defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which will also host the final.

IPL 2025 spans across 13 venues, including Hyderabad, which will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator while Qualifier 2 and the final will be played in Kolkata.

IPL 2025: Total matches and teams

The IPL 2025 features 10 teams divided into two groups, maintaining the structure introduced in previous seasons. The participating teams are: Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The tournament comprises a total of 74 matches spread over 65 days, including the group stage and playoffs. 12 double-headers are scheduled in IPL 2025. Each team will play 14 group stage matches, facing opponents both home and away, ensuring a competitive league phase.

IPL 2025 format

The IPL 2025 retains its familiar format, with the 10 teams divided into two groups. During the group stage, each team plays 14 matches: twice against teams in their own group and once against teams in the other group. This structure ensures a balanced and engaging competition, with teams striving to secure a top spot in the IPL table 2025.

The top four teams from the group stage will advance to the playoffs, which consist of:

Qualifier 1: The match between the first and second-ranked teams; the winner progresses directly to the final.
Eliminator: The match between the third and fourth-ranked teams; the loser is eliminated from the tournament.
Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of the Eliminator; the winner secures the remaining spot in the final.

This playoff structure adds an extra layer of excitement, as teams have multiple opportunities to reach the final, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

IPL 2025 match timings

Matches in IPL 2025 are scheduled to accommodate a wide audience, with timings set to maximise viewership. On days featuring double-headers, the first match begins at 3:30 PM IST, followed by the evening match at 7:30 PM IST. Single matches on weekdays are slated for 7:30 PM IST. Follow the IPL matches action on Crickit.

Venues and ticket information

The IPL 2025 will be hosted across 13 venues, bringing the excitement of the tournament to various cities. Notably, three teams will play their home games at two different venues:

Delhi Capitals: Visakhapatnam
Rajasthan Royals: Guwahati
Punjab Kings: Dharamsala

Having two home grounds allows a broader fan base to experience the live action. For those eager to watch the live action at the stadium, IPL 2025 tickets will be available through official team websites and authorised ticketing partners.

Marquee clashes to watch

The IPL 2025 season is packed with high-profile matches that promise intense competition and entertainment. Some of the standout fixtures this season include:

The tournament kicks off on March 22, 2025, with the Kolkata Knight Riders facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, at 7:30 PM IST.

On March 23, 2025, the Chennai Super Kings will take on the Mumbai Indians at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, in an evening match starting at 7:30 PM IST.

The Delhi Capitals are scheduled to play against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30, 2025, at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, with the match starting at 3:30 PM IST.

Additionally, the Rajasthan Royals will face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 13, 2025, at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, starting at 3:30 PM IST.

These matches, among others, are expected to have significant implications on the IPL table 2025 standings.

Stay updated with the latest IPL 2025 matches, live scores and real-time updates, including the race for the prestigious Orange Cap and Purple Cap.

Plan your IPL 2025 season with Crickit's all-inclusive coverage. Stay on top of every match with our detailed fixture list, covering everything from exciting league clashes to high-stakes playoff encounters. Never miss a moment of the action—Crickit has your schedule covered!

Follow IPL 2025 action on Crickit with the latest IPL 2025 Schedule, updated IPL Points Table, and top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple Cap. Stay tuned for all the IPL updates!