IPL 2025 Schedule: KKR to Face RCB in Opener on March 22, Final in Kolkata on May 25

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the schedule for the 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The season will begin with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on March 22, 2025. The grand finale will be held on May 25, 2025, also at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, marking the culmination of two months of high-octane cricket action.

In a thrilling season ahead, IPL 2025 promises to bring fans 74 matches played across 13 different venues in India. Along with the established IPL cities, the season will also see matches being hosted in newer cities such as Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Dharamsala. These venues will host some of the home games for Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Key Fixtures

As the season kicks off on March 22, defending champions KKR will face RCB in the much-anticipated opening match at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This clash will set the tone for a season filled with thrilling rivalries and intense competition.

Other exciting fixtures include an early-season battle between powerhouses Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI), which will take place just one day after the opening match, on March 23, in Chennai. IPL fans can also look forward to a face-off between last season's finalists, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals, in Hyderabad on the same day.

The IPL 2025 season will feature the usual fierce competition between the league’s top teams, with heavyweights like CSK, MI, and KKR battling it out for supremacy. The schedule also includes multiple encounters between these teams, such as CSK vs MI and CSK vs RCB, promising intense action and high stakes throughout the tournament.

New Venues

In a bid to expand the IPL’s reach, the BCCI has included a few new cities in the IPL 2025 roster. Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Dharamsala will host several matches during the season. Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals will be using these venues for some of their home games, ensuring that fans in different parts of the country can experience the excitement of the IPL firsthand.

Playoff and Final Format

The IPL 2025 season will feature the traditional playoff structure. The league stage will conclude on May 18, and the playoffs will kick off soon after. Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Kolkata will be the venue for Qualifier 2 and the much-awaited final.

As per the standard format, the top four teams at the end of the league stage will advance to the playoffs. The first and second-placed teams will meet in Qualifier 1, while the third and fourth-placed teams will battle it out in the Eliminator. The losers of these two matches will have another shot at glory in Qualifier 2, with the winner of that match advancing to the final.

The final will be held on May 25, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens, where the IPL 2025 champion will be crowned.

IPL 2025 Full Schedule

Here’s a detailed look at the full schedule for IPL 2025, including some key matchups:

Opening Weekend

Match 1: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Match 2: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Hyderabad

Match 3: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians

Date: Sunday, March 23, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Chennai

Other Key Fixtures

Match 4: Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants

Date: Monday, March 24, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Visakhapatnam

Match 5: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings

Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Ahmedabad

Match 6: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Date: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Guwahati

Match 7: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants

Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Hyderabad

Match 8: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Date: Friday, March 28, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Chennai

Match 9: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Ahmedabad

Match 10: Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Visakhapatnam

Match 11: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings

Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Guwahati

Additional Highlights

Match 13: Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings

Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Lucknow

Match 15: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Kolkata

Match 21: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Date: Monday, April 7, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Mumbai

Match 38: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings

Date: Sunday, April 20, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Mumbai

Match 53: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Kolkata

Match 64: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Bengaluru

Match 69: Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings

Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Ahmedabad

Playoffs & Final

Qualifier 1: Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Hyderabad

Eliminator: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Hyderabad

Qualifier 2: Friday, May 23, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Kolkata

Final: Sunday, May 25, 2025

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Kolkata (Eden Gardens)

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 season promises to be an action-packed tournament with an exciting mix of established stars and new talent. With high-profile matchups, exciting new venues, and a thrilling playoff format, fans can expect plenty of drama as they cheer for their favorite teams.

The season is set to offer two months of top-quality cricket, culminating in an unforgettable final at Eden Gardens on May 25. Keep an eye on the full schedule to ensure you don’t miss any of the action!