Sun Feb 16 21:07:24 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2024 Kicks Off March 22nd with Record-Breaking Auction Aftermath

**MUMBAI, INDIA** – The Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s most lucrative T20 cricket tournament, announced its highly anticipated schedule on Sunday. The 18th edition will commence on March 22nd at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The final will also be held at Eden Gardens on May 25th.

A total of 74 matches will be played across 13 venues, featuring ten teams vying for the title. Global cricketing stars, including Virat Kohli (India), Pat Cummins (Australia), and Jos Buttler (England), will participate in the tournament.

This year’s IPL auction broke records, with Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant becoming the most expensive player ever, sold to Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering $3.2 million. He will also captain the team. Shreyas Iyer, the Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning captain from last season, was the second most expensive player, acquired by Punjab Kings for $3.1 million.

The IPL, which began in 2008, has generated billions in revenue, establishing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as one of the wealthiest sporting governing bodies globally. The tournament’s success has revolutionized T20 cricket, inspiring similar leagues worldwide.

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