The much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin on March 21, as announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla. Initially, Shukla mentioned March 23 as the starting date, but later clarified the correction. The tournament will culminate with the final on May 25.

This announcement follows the excitement of the IPL mega auction held in November 2024, where franchises made record-breaking purchases to bolster their squads.

A Look Back at IPL 2024

The previous season of the IPL kicked off on March 22, featuring an electrifying opening match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The tournament concluded on May 26, with the Kolkata Knight Riders lifting the trophy in a thrilling finale.

Key Appointments by the BCCI

In a pivotal meeting held on January 12 in Mumbai, the BCCI announced several important appointments:

• Devjit Saikia was named the new Secretary of the BCCI.
• Prabhtej Singh Bhatia took over as Treasurer.
• A new IPL Commissioner was also appointed for a one-year term.

The meeting also set the agenda for the upcoming BCCI conclave on January 18-19, which will finalize India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

IPL 2025 Mega Auction Highlights

The IPL 2025 mega auction saw 182 players sold from a pool of 577 registered players, making it one of the most exciting auctions in the league’s history.

Top Pick: Rishabh Pant

• Rishabh Pant was the star of the auction, joining the Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering Rs 27 crore.
• This makes him the most expensive player in IPL history, surpassing all previous records.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team Updates

As preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 ramp up, only a few teams—England, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh—have announced their squads so far. The upcoming BCCI meeting is expected to finalize India’s lineup for the prestigious tournament.

IPL 2025: What Fans Can Expect

The Indian Premier League continues to captivate cricket fans worldwide with its thrilling matches, record-breaking performances, and dramatic twists. With the league set to start earlier than expected, fans can gear up for nearly two months of high-octane action featuring the biggest names in cricket.

Mark your calendars: March 21 to May 25 promises to be a cricketing extravaganza.