The Indian Premier League (IPL) has come a long way since its inception in 2008. From iconic sixes and last-ball finishes to record-breaking bids and nail-biting finals, the league has delivered countless unforgettable moments. As we gear up for IPL 2025, it’s worth celebrating the rich history of the tournament that has captured the hearts of millions.
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about IPL 2025, while also reminiscing about some of the most iconic moments in IPL history — from Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes to MS Dhoni’s helicopter shots and Mumbai Indians’ five-time championship reign.
Highlights of the IPL 2025 Auction
The IPL 2025 auction was a grand spectacle, with franchises making strategic investments to strengthen their squads. Here are the biggest deals from the auction:
- Rishabh Pant: Lucknow Super Giants acquired the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history.
- Shreyas Iyer: Punjab Kings roped in Shreyas Iyer for ₹26.75 crore. The experienced batter will lead the team, hoping to secure their first IPL title.
- Venkatesh Iyer: The all-rounder was signed for ₹23.75 crore by Chennai Super Kings, showcasing his immense value in the shortest format.
- Arshdeep Singh: ₹18 crore
- Yuzvendra Chahal: ₹18 crore
- Jos Buttler: The English star was bought by Gujarat Titans for ₹15.75 crore, becoming the most expensive overseas player in the season.
- KL Rahul: ₹14 crore
Uncapped Players Stealing the Spotlight
IPL 2025 saw several uncapped players secure substantial deals. Young talents from domestic circuits and emerging stars from international platforms earned their spot on the big stage. Some notable uncapped players include:
- Rajat Verma: Bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad for ₹6.5 crore for his explosive batting.
- Arjun Sharma: Picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹5 crore, showcasing his versatile bowling.
- Siddharth Patil: Acquired by Delhi Capitals for ₹4.8 crore, known for his all-round capabilities.
Teams and Captains
Each team has made strategic moves to strengthen their squads. Here’s a quick look at the teams and their captains:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): MS Dhoni (Captain)
- Mumbai Indians (MI): Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Rajat Patidar (Captain)
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Rishabh Pant (Captain)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): KL Rahul (Captain)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Shreyas Iyer (Captain)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Aiden Markram (Captain)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): Sanju Samson (Captain)
Gujarat Titans (GT): Hardik Pandya (Captain)
IPL 2025 Match Schedule
The tournament will kick off on 22nd March 2025 and will conclude with the grand final on 25th May 2025. The first match will see defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the iconic Eden Gardens.
Key Fixtures to Watch Out For
- Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings: The El Clasico of IPL on March 23, 2025.
- Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: A high-stakes battle on March 30, 2025.
- Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans: Expect fireworks on April 19, 2025.
For a complete list of fixtures and ticket booking details, visit the official IPL website.
Broadcasting and Streaming
IPL 2025 will be available to fans through various channels:
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network will telecast all the matches across multiple languages.
- Online Streaming: JioCinema will provide free live streaming for Jio users, while Disney+ Hotstar will continue as the official digital streaming partner.
Additionally, international viewers can catch the action live on platforms like Willow TV (USA), Sky Sports (UK), and Kayo Sports (Australia).
Sponsorships and Partnerships
The IPL 2025 title sponsor remains Tata Group, continuing its long-standing association. The league has also roped in major partners including:
- JioStar as the official broadcast partner
- My11Circle, Campa Energy, and PokerBaazi as associate sponsors
- State Bank of India (SBI) and PhonePe as key financial partners
These sponsorships reflect the growing commercial appeal of IPL, contributing to the league’s massive revenue generation.
A Walk Down Memory Lane: Iconic IPL Moments
Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes (2007)
While this moment technically happened in the 2007 T20 World Cup, Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes off Stuart Broad left an everlasting impression. His aggressive yet elegant batting style became a blueprint for many IPL superstars.
Chris Gayle’s 175 (2013)*
The Universe Boss, Chris Gayle, stunned the cricketing world with his blistering 175* off just 66 balls for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India. It remains the highest individual score in IPL history.
MS Dhoni’s Last-Ball Six (2016)
MS Dhoni’s captaincy moments are countless, but his iconic last-ball six against Kings XI Punjab to seal a thrilling victory for Rising Pune Supergiant is etched in fans’ memories.
Mumbai Indians’ 5th Title (2020)
Mumbai Indians, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, established themselves as the most successful IPL franchise by clinching their fifth title in 2020.
Rajasthan Royals’ Fairytale Win (2008)
The inaugural season saw Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals defying the odds to lift the IPL trophy, proving that passion and determination could trump big money deals.
Economic Impact of IPL 2025
The Indian Premier League has consistently played a significant role in boosting India’s economy. The league generates employment opportunities across sectors such as hospitality, travel, event management, and media.
According to various sources, the projected revenue for IPL 2025 primarily focuses on advertising revenue, which is anticipated to reach between ₹6,000 crore and ₹7,000 crore. This figure includes earnings from television, digital platforms, team sponsorships, and on-ground advertisements. The official broadcaster, JioStar, has set a target of ₹4,500 crore in ad revenue alone for the season.
Additionally, the combined revenue from all franchises is expected to be around ₹1,300 crore from sponsorship deals, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) anticipates earning between ₹800 crore and ₹900 crore from central sponsorships.
Therefore, while IPL 2025 is indeed projected to achieve significant revenue growth, the total expected revenue appear to reach the ₹12,000 crore mark as suggested.
Moreover, the sponsorship and digital streaming deals have set new benchmarks in the sports industry, inspiring similar leagues globally.
Conclusion
IPL 2025 is shaping up to be a season full of excitement, drama, and iconic moments. From record-breaking bids to fierce rivalries, the tournament promises a spectacular show for cricket fans. With accessible streaming options, thrilling fixtures, and the best cricketing talents in the world, this season is not to be missed.
So, mark your calendars, grab your jerseys, and get ready to experience the cricketing extravaganza!
Stay tuned for live updates, match highlights, and exclusive insights throughout the season!
