The Indian Premier League reaches adulthood this year as the cricketing extravaganza celebrates its 18th season with unprecedented fanfare. Beginning March 22 with Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens—mirroring the tournament’s inaugural match in 2008—this year’s competition promises 74 matches of high-octane cricket spanning 65 days until the May 25 final in Kolkata.
This season introduces several innovations, including multiple opening ceremonies across all 13 venues (with Eden Gardens hosting the grandest spectacle featuring performances by Shreya Ghosal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani) and significant rule changes: the revocation of the saliva ban, introduction of a second new ball after the 11th over to counter dew, Hawk-Eye technology for wide calls, revised over-rate penalties, and a new demerit point system.
Beyond the traditional ten host cities, matches will also be played in Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, and Dharamsala. The tournament features five new captains—Ajinkya Rahane (KKR), Shreyas Iyer (PBKS), Axar Patel (DC), Rajat Patidar (RCB), and Rishabh Pant (LSG)—while Mumbai Indians will start under Suryakumar Yadav with Hardik Pandya serving an over-rate ban.
The league continues to set age records, with 42-year-old MS Dhoni (appearing in his 18th consecutive IPL) as the oldest participant and 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi of Rajasthan Royals as the youngest player in IPL history.
Fans can purchase tickets via BookMyShow, District.in, franchise websites, and stadium box offices, while matches will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
