Fri Mar 21 12:21:04 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2025: Saliva Ban Lifted, New Captains Set Stage for Cricket Spectacle
**Kolkata, March 21, 2025** – The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to ignite on Saturday, March 22nd, in Kolkata, with a clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. The tournament promises a thrilling spectacle, featuring new rules, new captains, and the usual high-octane cricket action, despite a potential rain threat.
A significant rule change this year is the lifting of the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to use saliva to shine the ball for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening match will see Kolkata Knight Riders, led by [Captain’s Name not specified in provided text], face off against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Full team rosters for all participating teams – Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad – have been released and are available in the original article.
The IPL 2025 schedule includes a packed calendar of matches across various Indian cities, culminating in the final on May 25th in Kolkata. The complete schedule is available in the original article. Cricket fans can anticipate a season filled with intense competition, exciting matchups, and the return of familiar faces alongside new talent.
First Piper 