IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB to be Opening Match, Playoffs venues Confirmed - Key Updates

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The IPL 2025 is just over five weeks away and the franchise extravaganza will start after the conclusion of the Champions Trophy 2025.

As the new cycle of the IPL begins, a potential mouthwatering opening match may well be on the cards for the spectators.

KKR vs RCB to kickoff IPL 2025

As per a report from Cricbuzz, IPL 2025 is set to commence on March 22, with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosting the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The final is also scheduled to be held at Eden Gardens on May 25.

While the official schedule announcement has been delayed, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has shared tentative details with franchise owners. Initially, BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla indicated a March 23 start date, but the tournament was subsequently rescheduled to begin a day earlier.

RCB will be led by Rajat Patidar as the franchise confirmed today, while KKR is yet to name a captain after the departure of Shreyas Iyer. The two teams are no strangers to opening matches, but the last time they played each other on an opening day was the inaugural season in 2008.

What Happened in KKR vs RCB in IPL 2008?

In the inaugural match of the IPL on April 18, 2008, KKR faced RCB at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. KKR's Brendon McCullum delivered a historic performance, scoring an unbeaten 158 runs, as the Knights amassed 222 runs. In reply, RCB were bowled out for just 82 runs.

Sunrisers in action in 2nd Match

The second match of the season will feature the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

IPL 2025 Playoff Venues Fixed

Along with that, the IPL 2025 playoff matches will be played across the home stadiums of the previous year's finalists. The Eliminator and Qualifier 1 will be played in Hyderabad, while the Qualifier 2 and Final will be played in Kolkata. The final will be played on May 25.

Dharamshala to get more Matches, Guwahati will host RR ties

Dharamshala will host at least three matches in the IPL 2025 season as it is going to be the home ground of Punjab Kings. Similarly, Guwahati is set to host two matches as home ground of Rajasthan Royals.