November 22, 2024: The IPL 2025 season will begin on March 14, 2025, with the title clash set for May 25, 2025.
These are termed as windows by the IPL, though they are likely to be finalized as the official tournament dates for these seasons.
Number of Matches: The 2025 season will feature 74 matches, the same as in the last three seasons (2023-24). This is a reduction from the 84 matches originally planned for 2025, as per the media rights tender from 2022.
Increased Player Availability: In a major boost, overseas players from major Test-playing nations will be available for the next three seasons of the IPL:
Australia: Players from Cricket Australia (CA) will be available, except for those involved in the ODI series against Pakistan in March 2026. Australian players for the 2027 season will join after participating in a special match against England to mark 150 years of Test cricket.
England: The ECB has cleared 18 players, including stars like Jofra Archer, Harry Brook, and Jos Buttler. However, Ben Stokes won’t be available, as he didn’t register for the mega auction.
South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe: Players from these countries will be fully available for the next three seasons.
Sri Lanka: Sri Lankan players will be available for the full 2025 season, and some will be available for 2026-27 as well.
Bangladesh: Players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, and others will be available for varying periods depending on series schedules.
Pakistan’s Exclusion: As expected, Pakistan players will remain absent due to ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. This exclusion continues the pattern that has been in place since the inaugural IPL season in 2008.
With 74 matches, this season will follow the same format as previous years, featuring a round-robin league stage, followed by playoffs, including the Qualifiers, Eliminator, and the Grand Final.
The availability of top international players from key cricketing nations will ensure that the IPL continues to be a star-studded spectacle, with plenty of exciting matchups.
The schedule clarity for the next three years will allow franchises and players to plan ahead more effectively, avoiding scheduling conflicts with international series.
These updates are significant, both for the teams and fans, as they offer more certainty around the calendar and player availability. The IPL is shaping up to be even more thrilling over the next few years!
