The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a cricket tournament—it’s a festival that unites millions of fans across the globe. With each passing season, the IPL has grown in stature, and the anticipation for IPL 2025 is at an all-time high. From team reshuffles and mega auctions to new captains and rules, there’s a lot happening in the world of IPL 2025 news.
In this detailed article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about IPL 2025—teams, players, venues, schedule updates, new features, and what the fans can look forward to in one of cricket’s biggest spectacles.
1. IPL 2025: Overview and Format Changes
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to be the 18th season of the tournament. With the BCCI’s recent focus on innovation and fan engagement, IPL 2025 will see some key format tweaks and strategic changes.
New Format Highlights
- Return of Mega Auction: The IPL 2025 season will feature a mega auction, allowing teams to rebuild almost from scratch. Each franchise can retain a maximum of 4 players (2 Indian + 2 overseas).
- Expansion Talks: While there was speculation about a 11th team joining the league, the BCCI has decided to stick to the 10-team format for 2025.
- Home-and-Away Format: Unlike the COVID-impacted seasons, IPL 2025 will return to a complete home-and-away format, ensuring teams play on their home turf.
2. Key Team Updates and Player Retentions
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- MS Dhoni’s Future: The biggest question for CSK fans is the status of MS Dhoni. Sources suggest that 2024 was his final season, and CSK may name Ruturaj Gaikwad or a new overseas captain for 2025.
- Retained Players: Likely to retain Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ravindra Jadeja, Matheesha Pathirana, and Moeen Ali.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Leadership Change: After a challenging season in 2024, MI is rumored to go back to Rohit Sharma as captain, replacing Hardik Pandya.
- Retentions: Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma, and Tim David are expected to be retained.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Kohli’s Role: Virat Kohli is likely to stay with RCB, but not as captain. Expect a fresh leadership face.
- Retentions: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Mohammed Siraj, and Glenn Maxwell are on the list.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Rishabh Pant’s Comeback: Rishabh Pant is expected to return fully fit and resume captaincy duties in IPL 2025.
- Likely Retentions: Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, and David Warner.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
- New Captain: With Hardik Pandya returning to MI, GT will need a new skipper—possibly Shubman Gill or Kane Williamson.
- Retentions: Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan, Mohammed Shami, and Rahul Tewatia.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- KL Rahul Transfer Rumors: There’s speculation about KL Rahul being released or traded. If retained, he may not continue as captain.
- Likely Retentions: Marcus Stoinis, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, and Krunal Pandya.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Young Core Development: With a focus on building a young squad, SRH is expected to retain players like Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen.
- Retentions: Abhishek Sharma, Rahul Tripathi, Heinrich Klaasen, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Andre Russell’s Future: There’s uncertainty over Russell’s fitness and form. KKR may move towards a younger, Indian core.
- Likely Retentions: Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, and Sunil Narine.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Core Intact: RR is expected to retain its core of young and experienced players.
- Retentions: Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, and Trent Boult.
Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Leadership Dilemma: PBKS might move away from Shikhar Dhawan as captain and opt for a younger leader like Sam Curran or Liam Livingstone.
- Retentions: Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, and Shikhar Dhawan.
3. Mega Auction 2025: What to Expect
The IPL 2025 Mega Auction is likely to be one of the most dramatic in the league’s history. With most players back in the auction pool, teams will have to strategically rebuild their rosters.
Top Players Likely to Be in the Auction
- Ben Stokes (released due to injuries)
- Cameron Green (high trade value)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Dinesh Karthik (may retire)
- Mitchell Starc (if available)
Teams will focus on youth, fitness, and long-term investment, with a trend toward versatile all-rounders and power-hitting middle-order batters.
4. New Rules and Innovations in IPL 2025
To improve gameplay and fan engagement, BCCI is introducing several new features in IPL 2025:
Smart Sub Rule Expansion
The Impact Player Rule, introduced in 2023, will now allow a second substitution under specific conditions (like after 15 overs in the second innings).
Time Penalties
Teams exceeding over-rate limits will face in-game penalties, including fielding restrictions and possible point deductions.
Decision Review System for Wides and No-Balls
Continues to be used, allowing batters to challenge umpiring decisions related to wides and no-balls.
In-Stadium AR & Fan Voting
Select stadiums will feature augmented reality displays and real-time fan polls on tactical decisions—adding an interactive layer to the live experience.
5. IPL 2025 Schedule and Venues
While the IPL 2025 schedule has not been officially released, the tournament is expected to run from March 28 to May 30, 2025.
Confirmed Venues
- Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium
- Mumbai – Wankhede & DY Patil
- Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Kolkata – Eden Gardens
- Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium
- Bangalore – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Mohali will continue as home venues.
New Additions
- There are talks of hosting a few league games in Tier-2 cities like Indore, Guwahati, and Ranchi for better outreach.
6. Broadcast & Live Streaming Updates
TV Rights
- Star Sports remains the official broadcaster for IPL 2025.
Digital Streaming
- JioCinema will continue to stream IPL matches free in multiple languages, after record-breaking viewership in 2024.
Expect 4K viewing, alternate commentary options, player mic-ups, and real-time stats overlays.
7. Players to Watch in IPL 2025
Here are some breakout stars and key players expected to make headlines in IPL 2025:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR) – One of the most consistent young Indian batters.
- Tilak Varma (MI) – Emerging as a reliable middle-order batter.
- Rinku Singh (KKR) – Known for finishing games in style.
- Rashid Khan (GT) – Still among the top T20 bowlers.
- Ruturaj Gaikwad (CSK) – Captaincy candidate and consistent run-scorer.
- Mayank Yadav (LSG) – The pace sensation of 2024, tipped for India honors.
8. Fan Engagement and Sponsorships
IPL 2025 is shaping up to be the most interactive and fan-centric season yet.
Fan Zones and Virtual Tickets
BCCI will launch exclusive Fan Zones in each city and allow virtual matchday access through AR/VR headsets.
Sponsorship
- Title Sponsor: Tata continues as the title sponsor.
- Official Partners: Dream11, Paytm, Jio, CRED, Swiggy Instamart.
9. Conclusion: A Season Like No Other
From fresh faces and strategic shifts to technological upgrades and mega auctions, IPL 2025 promises a season packed with drama, thrill, and high-quality cricket. With massive changes looming across franchises and a renewed focus on youth and aggression, fans can look forward to one of the most exciting IPL seasons ever.
Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 news, team analysis, auction strategies, and live updates as the season approaches.