KKR To Clash Against RCB In IPL 2025 Season Opener

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to kickstart on 22nd March 2025 (Saturday) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. As per the traditional practice, the defending champions will play the season opener in their home venue. Likewise, the reigning champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will compete against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the inaugural night.

Also, the previous season’s runner-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will kickstart their campaign at home against Rajasthan Royals at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 23 (Sunday) during afternoon sessions.

KKR vs RCB Clash in Previous Season Openers

KKR and RCB have locked horns against each other only once in the first match of the season during the inaugural edition of the IPL in 2008.

The match held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru saw a one-sided contest as KKR comfortably won by 140 runs riding on the New Zealand batter Brendon McCullum’s blistering century. Here are the brief highlights of the very first IPL match between KKR and RCB:

After 18 years, both teams are set to face each other in a season opener for the second time, igniting the excitement for all fans to once again witness an electrifying battle.

KKR’s Performance in IPL Season Openers: From 2008 to 2024

RCB’s Performance in IPL Season Openers: From 2008 to 2024

Is the IPL 2025 Schedule Officially Released?

Over the last few days, the IPL 2025 schedule has been a highly discussed topic, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to reveal the complete schedule officially. However, the Indian Cricket Board has revealed the dates of a few important matches with the franchise.

Possibly, the IPL governing body (GC) might announce the detailed list with dates, timings, venues, and matches in the forthcoming week (third week of February).

Is IPL 2025 Starting on March 22 or March 23?

Several reports have claimed that broadcasters requested a Saturday start to the 18th season, which was later agreed by the board, and it is understood that the IPL 2025 is set to start on March 22.

Rajeev Shukla— the vice president of BCCI, earlier said that March 23 (Sunday) could be the league’s starting date after the board’s Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Mumbai on January 12 (Sunday). However, the tournament’s date has been revised and commences one day before the previously announced date.

IPL 2025 Knockouts Venue: Hyderabad and Kolkata

As far as the playoff stages are concerned, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad hosts the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator round, while Kolkata’s Eden Gardens has been selected to host Qualifier 2 and Final match.

When and Where will IPL 2025 Final Match Be Held?

Based on the reports gathered from various sources Eden Gardens is confirmed to host the IPL 2025 final match on May 25 (Sunday). This is because the forthcoming season once again follows the tradition as every season’s final is hosted by the city of the defending Champions.

Additional Venues to the IPL 2025 Schedule

The upcoming season broadens its reach across India beyond organizing matches at 10 routine venues as Guhawati and Dharamsala have been named as the additional hosts.

Rajasthan Royals have picked Guhawati as their second home city and host two high-voltage matches against these teams on the following dates:

Whereas, Dharamsala, the second home venue for Punjab Kings (PBKS) after Mullanpur, has hosted two matches in the previous season and has been assigned to host three games this season.

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