IPL 2025: KKR set to face RCB in the opening match of the season

With the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in sight, the teams are gearing up for an epic season of pinnacle league cricket with seasoned star campaigners and young emerging talents in action. Amidst heightened buzz around the new IPL season, the opening encounter has been revealed to the cricketing community. IPL has decided to continue its long tradition of starting the season with defending champions in action. Thus, the new season of the prestigious tournament is set to begin with a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Two iconic teams set to square off in the IPL opener

According to a report from Cricbuzz, IPL 2025 is scheduled to commence on March 22, with defending champions KKR facing off against RCB at the iconic Eden Gardens. The report further states that last season’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), will kick off their campaign a day later, hosting Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to officially announce the complete schedule, key dates have already been shared with franchises. The grand finale is expected to follow the usual pattern, taking place in the home city of the defending champions, meaning Eden Gardens is likely to host the final on May 25.

BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla had earlier hinted at a March 23 start following the board’s Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12 in Mumbai. However, the tournament’s commencement date was later advanced by a day. The full IPL 2025 schedule is anticipated to be released soon.

Also Read: Breakdown of RCB captain Rajat Patidar’s IPL salary since debut

New venues added to the IPL roster

The new IPL season is set to expand beyond its 10 regular venues by introducing matches in Guwahati and Dharamsala. Royals have designated Guwahati as their second home venue and will host two crucial evening encounters there, facing KKR on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 30. Meanwhile, Dharamsala, which hosted two Punjab Kings’ home matches last season, is set to feature at least two and potentially three games this year.  As for the knockout stage, Hyderabad has been selected to host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Qualifier 2 and the grand finale will take place at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the home ground of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.

Also Read: 3 reasons why Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) can win IPL 2025 under Rajat Patidar’s captaincy