Kolkata Set for First IPL Final in a Decade
Eden Gardens, home to IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will host both the opening match of IPL 2025 on March 22 and the grand finale on May 25. The iconic venue will also be the stage for Qualifier 2 on May 23. This marks the first time in ten years that Kolkata will host an IPL final, having previously held the title deciders in 2013 and 2015.
The other two playoff matches will take place in Hyderabad, the home ground of 2024 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad. Qualifier 1 is scheduled for May 20, followed by the Eliminator on May 21.
Tournament Format and Schedule Highlights
IPL 2025 will feature 74 matches over 65 days, including 12 double-headers. The season opener will see KKR take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in an evening clash. The following day (March 23) will feature a double-header: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals, followed by the highly anticipated showdown between five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
Teams have been divided into two groups:
- Group A: KKR, RCB, Rajasthan Royals, CSK, Punjab Kings
- Group B: SRH, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants
Each team will play group opponents and one cross-group team twice, while facing the remaining four teams from the opposite group once.
Venues and Home Fixtures
This season will see matches played across 13 venues, including the primary home grounds of all 10 franchises and three additional locations:
- Guwahati (Royals’ second home) – 2 matches
- Visakhapatnam (Capitals’ second home) – 2 matches
- Dharamsala (Punjab’s second home) – 3 matches
Punjab Kings will be the only team with a stretch of three consecutive home matches, played in Dharamsala from May 4-11 against Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Lucknow Super Giants.
Great News for KKR Fans: Eden Gardens Confirmed as Venue for All IPL 2025 Home Matches
Key Fixtures and Travel Schedule
- Mumbai Indians vs CSK: The IPL’s most celebrated rivalry will take place twice, first on March 23 and then again on April 20 at Wankhede Stadium.
- RCB’s Home Stretch: After a remarkable turnaround last season, RCB will finish their league campaign with four of their last six matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Delayed Home Openers: RCB, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and LSG will all play their first home games in April, having started their campaigns with away fixtures.
With an action-packed schedule, IPL 2025 promises thrilling contests, culminating in the grand finale at Eden Gardens.
