The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to deliver another thrilling season of T20 cricket, with 10 teams battling it out across 74 matches from March 22 to May 25. Fans worldwide are gearing up for high-octane clashes, new-look squads post the mega auction, and intense rivalries. Here’s everything you need to know about the IPL 2025 match list and how to catch the action live.
IPL 2025 Match Schedule
The 18th edition of the IPL kicks off with a blockbuster opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22. The season will feature a double round-robin format, with each team playing 14 matches in the league stage. The top four teams will advance to the playoffs, culminating in the grand final, also at Eden Gardens, on May 25. Matches will be hosted across 13 venues in India, including iconic stadiums like Wankhede, Chepauk, and Chinnaswamy.
Here’s a snapshot of the early matches (all times IST):
- March 22: KKR vs RCB, Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 7:30 PM
- March 23: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR), Hyderabad, 3:30 PM
- March 23: Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Chennai, 7:30 PM
- March 24: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Delhi Capitals (DC), Lucknow, 7:30 PM
- March 25: Punjab Kings (PBKS) vs Gujarat Titans (GT), Chandigarh, 7:30 PM
The schedule includes 12 double-headers, with afternoon games starting at 3:30 PM and evening matches at 7:30 PM. Key playoff dates include Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 20 in Hyderabad, Qualifier 2 on May 23 in Kolkata, and the final on May 25. Notable venues like Guwahati (hosting RR matches) and Dharamsala (PBKS) add variety, while Eden Gardens returns as the final’s host for the first time in a decade.
For the complete schedule, fans can visit the official IPL website (iplt20.com) or check platforms like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, which provide detailed fixtures, venues, and live updates.
Where to Watch IPL 2025 Live
Cricket enthusiasts have multiple options to watch IPL 2025, whether on TV or through streaming platforms, depending on their region. Here’s a breakdown:
In India
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network is the official broadcaster, airing matches across channels like Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2, and regional language options (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, etc.). Coverage is available in up to 4K resolution for compatible devices.
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar (a merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar) is the exclusive streaming platform. Matches can be streamed in 4K with commentary in 12 languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and more. Subscriptions start at ₹149 for three months (single device, ad-supported). Certain Jio prepaid plans (₹299 or higher) offer free access until April 15, 2025. Sony LIV is another option, with plans starting at ₹299/month for HD streaming.
Outside India
- United States and Canada: Willow TV will broadcast matches live, available via cable providers like Dish, Spectrum, and Xfinity. Streaming is accessible through the Willow TV app or Fubo, with subscriptions starting at $10/month.
- United Kingdom and Ireland: Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event will air all 74 matches. Streaming is available via Sky Go or NOW (day pass at £14.99 or month pass at £34.99).
- Australia: Foxtel will televise the IPL, while Kayo Sports offers streaming for $25/month (Standard) or $40/month (Premium), with a free 7-day trial for new users.
- Pakistan: TapmadTV provides free streaming on its app and website.
- Other Regions: YuppTV will stream matches in Continental Europe, Japan, China, and Southeast Asia (excluding Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong) for $9.99 for the season. SuperSport covers South Africa, and CricBuzz streams in the MENA region.
Key Highlights to Watch For
With CSK and MI eyeing a record sixth title and KKR defending their 2024 crown, the stakes are high. The mega auction has reshuffled squads, bringing fresh faces like Ajinkya Rahane as KKR’s captain and Rishabh Pant leading LSG. Fans can also track the Orange Cap (top run-scorer) and Purple Cap (leading wicket-taker) races, with Virat Kohli and Harshal Patel as the 2024 winners.
The opening ceremony on March 22 at 6:00 PM IST, featuring Shah Rukh Khan’s monologue and performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani, and Karan Aujla, will set the tone for the season. However, weather could play a role early on, with a 74% chance of rain threatening the KKR-RCB opener.
Don’t Miss Out
Whether you’re cheering from the stands or your couch, IPL 2025 promises unforgettable moments. Tune into Star Sports or JioHotstar in India, or check regional broadcasters like Willow TV, Sky Sports, or Kayo Sports abroad. For real-time scores and stats, apps like ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz are go-to companions.
Get ready for two months of non-stop cricket fever!