Key Points
The 2025 IPL tournament kicks off on March 22nd and features ten teams playing an extended number of 84 matches.
A number of new rules have been introduced this year including larger team budgets, match fees for players and reductions in pre-match practice time.
Check out our top tips and predictions for the 2025 IPL and my pick of top betting sites.
The eagerly anticipated new Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament kicks off on March 22nd, 2025 with an opening match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at 8 pm Indian time.
This year has seen the introduction of some notable new IPL rules which could have a big impact on how the tournament plays out and most definitely on who will win. I’ve gone through the new rules in detail here and given you all the information you need to make player and team predictions whether you’re just watching for fun or you’re placing a bet.
IPL 2025 – fast facts about this year’s tournament
The IPL is one of the world’s most famous Twenty20 tournaments and, since 2008, has showcased the best talent from India and around the world. This year’s IPL tournament will start on March 22nd, 2025 and the final is planned for May 25th at 7:30 pm Indian time at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
In 2022, the IPL was increased to 10 teams, which were divided into two halves for the league stage of the tournament. Now, teams play 14 league fixtures, facing off against the other teams on their side of the draw once and the teams on the other side twice — home and away.
Summary of the IPL new rules for 2025
Now in its 18th year, the IPL has always had some unique rules, including television timeouts and impact players. This year, however, there have been several extra rule changes introduced.
More matches
There are a proposed ten extra matches this year, with a further ten also planned for the 2026 season.
Bigger budgets
Each IPL team makes their team by retaining some players and buying and selling others at a pre-tournament auction according to a standard budget imposed on all sides. However, this year, a change to the retention rules meant that each franchise had an increased budget of ₹120 crore to spend on players (that’s an increase of ₹20 crore).
Each franchise had the choice to retain up to 6 players this year, including 5 capped and 1 uncapped. Each retained player uses part of the budget, potentially depleting it by ₹75 crore if sides retain the maximum number of players. This meant teams had to think even more carefully about how they spent their budget. Every team is also still allowed to have up to four players from other countries in their starting XI.
These changes, especially the increased budget, led to an explosive preseason auction in December 2024 and record prices for selected players.
Match fees
Match fees have been introduced into the IPL for the first time this year. They mean that every player on the pitch receives an additional ₹7.5 lac as well as their contracted amount.
Changes to practice sessions
The BCCI announced that 2025 will see changes to the amount of practices permitted before each IPL match. No practice will be allowed on match days, to preserve the condition of the pitch, and franchises will be limited to a maximum of 7 practice sessions before their opening game.
Limits on WAGs and family
In common with the rules imposed on the national Indian cricket team, family members won’t be allowed to enter player dressing rooms on game days, even after matches have finished.
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Key predictions for IPL 2025 – how will the new rules impact play?
The 2025 IPL preseason has been full of excitement and here, we can’t wait to see what the main tournament has in store! As we look ahead, I’ve got some valuable statistics to help you make your betting predictions.
Big names to watch out for
- Rishabh Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history when he was purchased for ₹27 crore by the Lucknow Super Giants. Lucknow will be hoping that Pant’s explosive hitting can bring them the trophy.
- Only just behind Pant, Shreyas Iyer joined the Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore. This dependable middle-order batsman could be the steady influence that sees his team take the top spot.
- 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi also made history this year as the youngest player ever chosen, securing a contract with the Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.30 crore.
- KL Shrijith from the Mumbai Indians has been in top form recently, scoring an average of 42.60 runs during this Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy season.
Team stats
- In 2024, the Kolkata Knight Riders were crowned IPL champions for the third time. Their performance has been variable since they entered the IPL and, in the two years before they won, they failed to reach the playoff stage.
- The Chennai Super Kings, who have been runners-up and champions five times, last won in 2023. Together with the Mumbai Indians, who last won in 2020, they’re the most successful team in IPL history.
- Six teams have lifted the IPL trophy, with the Delhi Capitals, the Rajasthan Royals, and the Lucknow Super Giants all hoping to score their first win this year.
Betting on the IPL 2025
If you’re looking to increase your enjoyment of the IPL by placing a wager on your top team or favorite player, my list of the
best IPL betting sites
is essential reading. It’ll give you a handy rundown of the top sportsbooks offering IPL action and only includes sites that combine a seamless user experience with outstanding customer support, an emphasis on safety and security, competitive odds, and a wide range of markets. It goes without saying that they offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions too.
Conclusion – IPL 2025 promises to be action-packed cricket
That just about sums up everything you need to know about the IPL’s new rules being introduced for the 2025 competition. It’s yet to be established how much of an impact they’ll have on match outcomes but one thing’s for sure — you can expect the IPL 2025 tournament to be a rollercoaster of top cricket!
With more matches than ever planned this year, staying up to date with the latest IPL developments is vital. Here, you’ll find regularly updated content and the latest news, plus insights from our cricket experts to help you tailor your wagers and keep up with the action. Come back soon for the perfect companion to your IPL 2025 experience.
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