The 2024 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 14, following the conclusion of the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled to end on March 9. This early start is designed to give players enough time to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is keen to ensure that the IPL concludes before the WTC final to give players a well-deserved break and sufficient time for preparation.
According to reports, the IPL 2025 final is expected to take place on May 25. While the BCCI had initially planned to expand the number of matches in the IPL from 74 to 84, the upcoming season will remain at 74 matches. This change is to accommodate other cricketing events and to ensure the players aren’t overburdened.
WATCH – Harshit Rana Strikes On Debut With Stunning Delivery To Dismiss Travis Head In Perth Test
The schedules for the 2026 and 2027 IPL seasons have also been revealed. The 2026 edition will run from March 15 to May 31, while the 2027 season will begin on March 14 and conclude on May 30. The BCCI has already shared these schedules with other cricket boards, seeking confirmation on player availability.
SAVE THE DATE 🗓️
IPL 2025: 14th March to 25th May
IPL 2026: ⁉️
IPL 2027: ⁉️Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/ZhpuN3kZRG
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) November 22, 2024
Cricket Australia (CA) has given clearance for its players to participate in the 2025 IPL season, though their three-match ODI series against Pakistan in 2026 will overlap with the tournament. The series, however, is expected to conclude by March 18.
WATCH – Jasprit Bumrah Strikes Early With Back-to-Back Wickets To Dismiss Khawaja And Smith
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that 18 of its centrally contracted players will be available for the next three IPL seasons, with one notable exception—Test captain Ben Stokes, who will not be part of the upcoming IPL mega-auction scheduled for November 24-25 in Jeddah. Players from South Africa, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan will also be available, while the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has sent a list of 13 players with varying availability for the next few seasons.
