The Impressive TimesKolkata : The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off today, marking the beginning of yet another action-packed season of high-intensity T20 cricket. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the opening match at the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) and is expected to set the tone for an electrifying tournament ahead.
Ahead of the season opener, fans will witness a grand opening ceremony featuring dazzling performances from Bollywood and music industry stars. Bollywood actress Disha Patani, celebrated playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, and Punjabi music sensation Karan Aujla are set to enthrall the audience with their performances, adding a layer of glamour and excitement to the IPL 2025 inauguration.
The tournament format remains similar to previous editions, with ten teams divided into two groups, playing a total of 74 matches. Group A consists of Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Kolkata Knight Riders. Meanwhile, Group B features Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Lucknow Super Giants. The teams will battle it out over the next two months, culminating in the grand finale on May 25, 2025.
With the world’s top cricketers participating, IPL 2025 promises to deliver thrilling encounters, breathtaking performances, and nail-biting finishes. The competition will see some of the biggest names in cricket, including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jos Buttler, Rashid Khan, and David Warner, as they aim to lead their respective franchises to glory.
In a significant development, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced four major rule changes for IPL 2025, aimed at enhancing the fairness and excitement of the tournament. The updates were finalized during a Captains’, Coaches, and Managers’ meeting held at the BCCI headquarters, where all ten franchises contributed their insights.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of the saliva ban, allowing bowlers to shine the ball using saliva—a restriction originally imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, to counter the impact of dew during evening matches, teams bowling second can now request a ball change after the 10th over, with umpires having the discretion to make replacements if necessary.
Moreover, a new Code of Conduct will be implemented this season, introducing a demerit points system and suspension points valid for 36 months. This aims to uphold discipline and accountability among players and team staff. Finally, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to include height-based no-ball reviews and wide-ball reviews outside the off-stump, leveraging Hawk-Eye and ball-tracking technology for improved decision accuracy.
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