IPL 2025 Schedule, Start Date, Timings revealed; match list to change

In a recent development, the IPL 2025 schedule and start date have been announced for the next three seasons of the tournament. According to the latest report by ESPNcricinfo, next year’s IPL will be played from March 14 to May 25, with 74 matches, the same as the last three seasons.

The mega auction for the next three IPL seasons will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24 and 25. Among the 10 franchises, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have the largest remaining budget of ₹110.50 crore, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) have the smallest remaining budget of ₹41 crore.

IPL 2025 Season Set To Commence On March 14 - Report

In an email to franchisees on Thursday, accessed by ESPNcricinfo, the IPL communicated that the 2025 season will feature 74 matches, the same as the previous three seasons. The report also added that the IPL revealed the tentative "windows," which are expected to be finalized by the BCCI.

The 2025 edition of the marquee T20 tournament is set to be played from March 14 to May 25. The 2026 season will be held between March 15 and May 31, while the 2027 season is scheduled from March 14 to May 30.

Matches Number Not Increased As Planned Before Due to Players' Workload

In the IPL media rights deal for the 2023-27 cycle, the league had listed 84 matches per season for 2025 and 2026, but the upcoming edition of the world’s best T20 league will have 74 matches.

According to the tender document for the 2023-27 rights cycle, the IPL had listed 74 games for 2023 and 2024, 84 games for 2025 and 2026, and up to 94 matches for 2027, the final year of the deal.

The decision to limit the number of matches comes in response to the tight scheduling window during the Indian summer and other factors. The BCCI is reportedly keen on ensuring that players are not overloaded during the IPL, as it could affect their participation in the World Test Championship (WTC).

It's Part Of The Contract - Jay Shah

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently stated that the board is weighing the impact on players' workload, despite the media rights and sponsorship contracts. Shah emphasized that the final decision will depend on the board's evaluation of players' workload.

"We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches. While it's (84 matches) part of the contract, it's up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches," BCCI secretary Jay Shah told the Economic Times recently.

The IPL 2025 season will be played in the current format, with 10 teams competing in a league-plus-knockout structure. Each team will play 14 matches during the league stage. A total of 74 matches will be played this season, including the playoffs and the final.

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