IPL 2025: Season Opener, New Rules, Star-Studded Ceremony & Key Player Updates

IPL 2025: Season Kicks Off with KKR vs RCB Amid Rule Changes and Star-Studded Ceremony

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. However, the match faces potential disruption due to unfavorable weather conditions, with forecasts predicting rain that could lead to an abandonment.

Major Rule Changes Introduced for IPL 2025

• Saliva Ban Revoked: After discussions among team captains, the longstanding ban on using saliva to shine the ball has been lifted, aiming to assist bowlers in generating reverse swing.
• 'Second Ball' Rule for Night Matches: To maintain the ball's condition under lights, a new regulation mandates the use of a second ball during night games.
• Retention of Impact Player Rule: Teams can continue to utilize the 'Impact Player' rule, allowing the substitution of a player during a match to enhance strategic flexibility.

Grand Opening Ceremony Featuring Bollywood Superstar

In a star-studded opening ceremony, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan is slated to perform, adding glamour to the event. However, the ceremony's proceedings are under threat due to the anticipated inclement weather in Kolkata.

Key Players Missing the Season Opener

• Jasprit Bumrah: The Mumbai Indians' pace spearhead is sidelined due to a back injury.
• Hardik Pandya: Serving a one-match suspension for a slow over-rate offense from the previous season, Pandya will miss Mumbai's opener against the Chennai Super Kings.

In Pandya's absence, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Mumbai Indians in their opening fixture.

Tournament Overview

The tournament will be contested across 13 venues, with the final scheduled for May 25, 2025, at Eden Gardens. Fans can look forward to 74 matches, including 13 double-headers, promising a cricketing spectacle over the coming weeks.