KKR won the IPL 2024 trophy. Photo: BCCI
Defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first game of the IPL 2025 season at the Eden Gardens on March 22. The Kolkata-based franchise defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL 2024 final to lift the trophy after a decade-long wait.
Cricbuzz has reported that SRH will also open their campaign on the second day of the tournament. The Pat Cummins-led side will host Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an afternoon game on March 23. The full IPL schedule hasn't been released yet.
The report adds that RR will play two matches in Guwahati. They will host KKR and Chennai Super Kings on March 26 and 30, respectively. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play three matches in Dharamsala.
The final of the tournament will be played at the Eden Gardens on May 25. The venue will also host the second qualifier. Hyderabad will host the first qualifier and the eliminator. The BCCI is expected to announce the complete IPL schedule soon.
KKR to have a new captain
KKR will be without the services of Shreyas Iyer, who captained them to an IPL title win in 2024. The three-time IPL Champions released Iyer before the IPL 2025 mega-auction. They tried to re-sign him but didn't show much interest.
PBKS made the winning bid for Iyer worth Rs 26.75 crore. He will lead the Punjab-based franchise in the upcoming season. Iyer has reunited with Ricky Ponting at PBKS. Ponting and Iyer worked together at Delhi Capitals from IPL 2018 to 2021. KKR are yet to announce their new captain.
Delhi Capitals (DC) also made a shocking call to release Rishabh Pant before the mega-auction. They were keen to re-sign him but missed out. He joined Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 27 crore. Rishabh will lead LSG in IPL 2025.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Cricket, Sports and around the world.
