In a groundbreaking announcement, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has released the dates for its upcoming seasons. The 2025 IPL season will kick off on March 14 and conclude with the final on May 25. The 2026 season is scheduled from March 15 to May 31, while the 2027 season will run from March 14 to May 30. This move marks a significant step in planning for franchises, broadcasters as well as fans.
IPL Format and Schedule
The 2025 season will feature a total of 74 matches, maintaining the same number as the last three seasons. This is ten matches fewer than the 84 matches initially proposed in the IPL’s media rights tender in 2022. The IPL Governing Council has termed these dates as “windows,” suggesting they may be finalized soon.
The tender document outlined a range of potential matches per season: 74 matches for both 2023 and 2024, 84 matches for 2025 and 2026, and a maximum of 94 matches in 2027. This flexibility allows the IPL to adjust based on player workload and audience engagement.
- 2025: March 14 to May 25 (74 matches)
- 2026: March 15 to May 31 (84 matches projected)
- 2027: March 14 to May 30 (up to 94 matches possible)
Overseas Players’ Full Availability Secured
In a significant boost to franchises, overseas players from nearly all Full Member nations have confirmed their availability for the IPL’s next three editions.
Country-Wise Player Availability
- Australia: Cricket Australia has approved all players for the 2025 season. In 2026, Australian players involved in an ODI series in Pakistan will join the IPL after March 18. In 2027, they will participate following a Test match against England.
- England: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that 18 centrally contracted players will be available for all three IPL seasons. Notably absent is Test captain Ben Stokes, who did not enter the mega auction for 2025.
- South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe: Players from these nations will be fully available throughout the three seasons.
- Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Cricket has stated its players will be fully available for the 2025 season and retained players will continue to be available in subsequent years.
- Bangladesh: The Bangladesh Cricket Board provided a list of 13 players with varying availability across the three years.
Notably, players from Pakistan remain absent from the league due to ongoing political tensions.
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