IPL 2025 Opening Date First Match

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most anticipated cricket events worldwide. As the 18th season approaches, cricket fans are eager to know about the IPL 2025 start date, first match, and other key details.

The tournament will kick off on March 22, 2025, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This article provides comprehensive details about the opening match, including the schedule, venue, time, squad players, and live telecast.

2025 Opening Match of IPL

The first match of any IPL season sets the stage for an exciting tournament, building anticipation among fans for the action-packed weeks ahead. IPL 2025 will begin with a thrilling clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

IPL Start Date 2025 First Match

The IPL 2025 first match is scheduled for March 22, 2025. As per the official schedule, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the opening match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This high-stakes encounter will mark the beginning of another thrilling season of the Indian Premier League.

Captains and their Strategy

IPL 2025 Opening Date First Match Schedule

League Phase Schedule

The league phase of IPL 2025 will run from 22nd March 2025. During this phase, a total of 70 league matches will be played, with each team playing 7 home and 7 away matches.

Playoff Matches and Final

The playoff matches’ schedule has been officially released. The final match of IPL 2025 is set to take place on May 25, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

The Qualifier 1 will be played on May 20, and the Eliminator on May 21 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Meanwhile, Qualifier 2 is scheduled for May 23 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, which will also host the grand finale on May 25, 2025.

IPL 2025 First Match Time

Match Timings

The IPL 2025 First Match Time is 07:30 PM IST. Fans can tune in at this time to catch all the live-action from the first match.

Toss Time

The toss for the opening match will take place at 07:00 PM IST, just 30 minutes before the match begins. The toss plays a crucial role in determining the team’s strategy and approach to the game.

IPL 2025 First Match Venue

Eden Gardens Stadium Features

The IPL 2025 first match venue is the magnificent Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. This iconic stadium, known for its rich cricketing history, will host the opening clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22, 2025.

Eden Gardens is one of the largest cricket stadiums in India, boasting a seating capacity of around 68,000 spectators. It offers world-class facilities and a thrilling atmosphere, making it the perfect venue to kickstart the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League.

Weather Conditions

The weather in Kolkata during late March is usually warm and dry, providing ideal conditions for a high-scoring and action-packed cricket match.

IPL 2025 First Match Squad Players

 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad

Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethell, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee

Kolkata Knight Riders  Squad

Rinku Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, Ramandeep Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Anrich Nortje, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Vaibhav Arora, Mayank Markande, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Spencer Johnson.

IPL 2025 First Match Live Telecast

Broadcasting Channels

Star Sports Network holds the official broadcasting rights for IPL 2025 in India. All matches will be telecast live on various Star Sports channels.

Live Streaming Platforms

For digital streaming, Viacom 18 has the rights in India, and matches can be streamed live on the Jio Cinema (Jio TV app). Times Internet and Viacom 18 will broadcast the tournament in countries outside India.

Players to Watch in IPL 2025 Opening Match

IPL 2025 First Match Prediction

Predicting the outcome of the first match of IPL 2025 is challenging, given the quality and depth of both teams. However, considering the experience and balanced squad of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, they may have a slight edge over the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 Opening Match promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair between two strong teams. Fans around the world eagerly await the start of another thrilling season of IPL cricket.