The 2025 Indian Premier League – the world’s biggest T20 franchise tournament – kicks off today. The 18th edition of the competition features 10 teams battling for the title, at this time held by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The tournament instigates with defending champions KKR hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru – a side featuring superstar Virat Kohli.
The group stage features 70 matches across 13 locations and runs until May 18. The knock-out stage begins on May 20 and the final takes place at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 25.
The teams are fragmented into two groups of five and each play 14 group matches in total. Each side plays against the teams in their group twice – home and away – and faces the team in the same row in the other group home and away.
They also play against the four remaining teams in the other group once, with the results forming one overall table. The top four teams in this table qualify for the playoffs.
First and second in the group will face each other in ‘Qualifier 1’ on May 20 for a place in the final.
Third and fourth then play on May 21 in the ‘Eliminator’ – the champions of that match face the losing side from the first playoff for the second spot in the final.
The teams (Group ‘A’):
Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings.
(Group ‘B’):
Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
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