The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season is set to commence on March 14, with the final scheduled for May 25. According to an ESPNCricinfo report dated November 22, the 18th edition of the world’s wealthiest cricket league may host its finale at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, following the home team’s IPL 2024 victory. However, the official venue confirmation is still awaited.
Looking ahead, the 2026 IPL season is expected to run from March 15 to May 31, and the 2027 season from March 14 to May 30. The 2025 edition will feature 74 matches, a reduction from the 84 games projected during the media rights auction for the 2023–27 cycle.
In a positive development for all 10 IPL franchises, BCCI has reportedly secured full player availability from all full member cricket boards for the next three seasons.
As per ESPNCricinfo, “Cricket Australia has given clearance to all its players—both international and domestic—to feature in the 2025 season. In 2026, Australia will play a three-match ODI series in Pakistan, which CA revealed will be ‘concluding no later than March 18.’ Players involved in that series or resting after the T20 World Cup will join the IPL after the Pakistan tour. In 2027, players participating in the commemorative Australia-England Test in March will join the IPL after the match.”
Additionally, the ECB has confirmed the availability of 18 centrally contracted players for the upcoming three IPL seasons, excluding England Test captain Ben Stokes, who opted out of the 2025 IPL auction. Notable names include Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Sam Curran, among others. Non-contracted England players will also be fully available for IPL participation during this period.