March 21, 2025: New Zealand cricket legend Kane Williamson, who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, will still be part of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Despite not being picked by any franchise, Williamson will join the IPL 2025 as a commentator. The 18th season of the tournament is set to begin on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the season opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Star Sports, the official broadcaster for IPL, announced the national feed commentary panel for the event, which will include Williamson. Known for his calm demeanor and cricketing brilliance, Williamson will join a star-studded group of former cricketers for the tournament’s commentary. Along with him, former Indian cricketers like Suresh Raina and Shikhar Dhawan will also take on national commentary duties, offering expert insights during the matches.
Williamson’s involvement with the IPL is significant, as he is a two-time IPL champion. He was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad that won the title in 2016 under David Warner’s leadership, and he also played for Gujarat Titans (GT) in 2022, helping them clinch their maiden IPL title. While he won’t be playing in IPL 2025, his experience and perspective as a commentator will provide valuable insights into the ongoing action.
The tournament will kick off with a grand opening ceremony, featuring performances by Bollywood stars Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani.
The national feed commentary panel for IPL 2025 will include other well-known names such as Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Anil Kumble, AB de Villiers, Aaron Finch, Robin Uthappa, and many more. This exciting commentary lineup is sure to keep fans entertained throughout the 2025 season.