Sun Feb 16 09:02:25 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2025 to Kick Off on March 22nd with Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

**Kolkata, India (Feb 16, 2025)** – The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return for its 18th season on March 22nd, 2025, culminating in a final match on May 25th. Cricket fans eagerly anticipate the tournament, with teams preparing new strategies and, in some cases, new captains.

According to reports, the opening match will be a clash between the reigning champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), held at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This stadium will also host the final. The official schedule, including dates and venues for all matches, is expected to be released by the BCCI next week.

Punjab Kings will use Dharamshala and Rajasthan Royals will use Guwahati as secondary home grounds. Several teams will have new captains this year, including KKR, whose former captain Shreyas Iyer was acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore at the 2025 mega auction. RCB has appointed Rajat Patidar as their new captain. Chennai Super Kings, under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s leadership, will begin their campaign at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai against Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians.

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