Eden Gardens to Host IPL 2025 Opener and Final
In a move that continues the tradition of celebrating the defending champions, Eden Gardens, the home ground of the reigning IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, will welcome the tournament’s start and end. This iconic venue, known for its passionate crowd, is set to witness some thrilling cricket during the IPL 2025 season.
- IPL 2025 Opener: March 22, 2025
- IPL 2025 Final: May 25, 2025
Eden Gardens will also host Qualifier 2, while Hyderabad will play host to the first two playoff matches – Qualifier 1 and Eliminator. This selection of venues ensures that fans across India will enjoy the intensity and drama of the IPL playoffs.
WPL 2025 to Kick Off on February 7
Before the IPL action heats up, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) will take center stage. Set to begin on February 7, 2025, and run until March 2, the WPL will bring in new excitement for women’s cricket fans. This year, the WPL will expand to include Baroda and Lucknow as additional venues alongside Mumbai and Bangalore. The exact match schedule is yet to be confirmed. However, including two new venues will elevate the competition and provide more opportunities for local fans to experience top-tier women’s cricket.
IPL 2025 Season Format and Structure
Key Updates:
- Number of Matches: 74 matches (exact as in previous seasons)
- Start Date: March 22, 2025
- Final Match: May 25, 2025
- Defending Champions: Kolkata Knight Riders (2024 IPL winners)
- Venue Highlights: Eden Gardens will host both the IPL opener and final, and Hyderabad will host the playoff matches.
WPL Expands with New Venues
The WPL 2025 is set to grow even further this year, with Baroda and Lucknow joining the existing venues of Mumbai and Bangalore. This expansion marks a key step forward in developing women’s cricket in India, with more cities getting the chance to host the competition. Fans can expect an even more competitive and entertaining tournament, with the best women cricketers worldwide coming together for this exciting event.
IPL 2025 and WPL: What’s New for Fans?
- Increased Focus on Major Venues: The IPL is leveraging iconic venues like Eden Gardens for its biggest matches. With fans from across the country flocking to these stadiums, the atmosphere promises to be electric.
- Improved Format for WPL: The expansion of WPL to include two additional venues brings greater variety to the competition, with more teams and locations allowing for a wider fanbase and increased exposure for women’s cricket.
- Exciting Time for Cricket Fans: With the IPL 2025 set to begin just weeks after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, cricket fans will have back-to-back tournaments to look forward to, each packed with thrilling action, top-notch cricketing talent, and high stakes.
