KKR-RCB Clash to Launch IPL 2025 on March 22

The 18th Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on March 22, 2025, marking another great season of cricket. Join bet pro for more sports news. 

As usual, the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will host the season opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. 

KKR will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are eager to make a statement under new skipper Rajat Patidar.

Opening Week Schedule

The enthusiasm continues after the first match. The 2024 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will play their first home match. 

On March 23, 2025, SRH will play Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. An afternoon match will add to the thrill of a cricket weekend.

Unofficial Schedule and Venue Expansion

The BCCI has not yet announced the full calendar, but sources say franchises have received the major fixtures. 

As usual, Eden Gardens will host the IPL 2025 Final on Sunday, May 25, 2025, in the city of the defending champions.

In 2025, matches will be played at two additional locations besides the 10 usual venues: Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.

Guwahati will be Rajasthan Royals' second home field for two matches on March 26 and 30 against Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings.

Dharamsala, home of the Punjab Kings, will host two confirmed matches and maybe a third.

Playoff Sites and Schedule Changes

Hyderabad and Kolkata will host the knockout stages, according to informal reports:

• Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and Eliminator.

• Kolkata will host Qualifier 2 and Final.

At the January 12 SGM in Mumbai, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla hinted at a March 23 start. Sources say broadcasters wanted a Saturday start, so the BCCI moved the opener match to March 22.

What to Expect from IPL 2025

KKR's title defense begins at home against RCB, a squad that has made radical changes, including naming Rajat Patidar captain. 

Fans may expect a high-voltage battle between two cricketing powerhouses seeking an early tournament lead.

Adding Guwahati and Dharamsala as match venues shows IPL's rising appeal and growth into new territories.

With little over a month until the event, the official IPL 2025 schedule is anticipated to be revealed soon, fueling anticipation for another sensational T20 season!

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