IPL schedule released

KKR and RCB scheduled to play the IPL 2025 opener on March 22

February 17, 2025

IPL schedule released

The highly anticipated IPL 2025 season is set to kick off with a thrilling clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22. According to sources, the tournament's grand finale will take place on May 25 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

While the official schedule is yet to be released, it is understood that last season's runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad, will open their campaign at home against Rajasthan Royals in an afternoon fixture on March 23. Later that evening, cricket fans can look forward to a blockbuster showdown as Chennai Super Kings are expected to host Mumbai Indians at Chepauk, setting the stage for another electrifying IPL season.

The 10-team IPL 2025 season is set to begin just 12 days after the Champions Trophy final on March 9. The tournament will be played across 12 venues, including the traditional home grounds of all franchises. Additionally, Guwahati will serve as a second home venue for Rajasthan Royals, while Dharamsala will host matches for Punjab Kings, adding to the excitement of the league.

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International games

No international games today.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman replaces injured AM Ghazanfar in the Mumbai Indians' roster for IPL 2025.

Afghanistan offspinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has been named as a replacement for his compatriot AM Ghazanfar in the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025. Ghazanfar, who was set to play in both the Champions Trophy and the IPL, has been sidelined due to a back injury.

Earlier this week, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed his absence from the Champions Trophy, revealing that he suffered a fracture in his L4 vertebra during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe last month. The young spinner, who earned his maiden IPL contract after an impressive start to his ODI career, is expected to be out of action for at least four months.Mujeeb Ur Rahman is set to make his IPL return after last featuring in the tournament in 2021, when he played a single game for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Afghan spinner first made his IPL debut as a 17-year-old with Punjab Kings in 2018, going on to represent them in 18 matches over three seasons.

A seasoned T20 specialist, Mujeeb has an impressive record with 275 wickets at an average of 23.67 and an economy rate of 6.75, making him a valuable addition to the Mumbai Indians squad for IPL 2025.

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"I was actually a missing piece for the WPL as a whole."

Deandra Dottin responds after being asked if she was the missing piece for Gujarat Giants, who had controversially ruled her out days before the start of the 2023 WPL

Afghanistan: Emerging Contenders in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Afghanistan's cricket journey has been remarkable, transitioning from underdogs to formidable competitors on the international stage. Their recent performances indicate they are poised to make a significant impact in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Historic Series Victory

In preparation for the Champions Trophy, Afghanistan achieved a landmark series win against South Africa in the UAE. They secured the series by winning the first two matches convincingly, bowling out the Proteas for 106 and 134 runs, respectively. This series marked Afghanistan's first-ever victory over a top-five ICC-ranked team, underscoring their rapid progress.

Key Players to Watch

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz: The 22-year-old opener showcased exceptional talent during the South Africa series, scoring 105 and 89 in consecutive matches. With seven ODI centuries to his name, Gurbaz is on par with Virat Kohli for the third-most hundreds in the format before turning 23, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar and Quinton de Kock.
     

  • Rashid Khan: As the world's top-ranked ODI bowler, Rashid Khan remains a cornerstone of Afghanistan's bowling attack. In the South Africa series, he led with seven wickets at an average of 7.00, despite missing the third match due to a tight hamstring.

  • Mohammad Nabi: The seasoned all-rounder brings a wealth of experience, having amassed over 3,600 ODI runs and taken 172 wickets. His leadership and versatility are invaluable assets to the team.

Champions Trophy Outlook

Afghanistan is set to make its debut in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, competing in Group B alongside Australia, England, and South Africa. Their fixtures are as follows:

  • February 21: vs. South Africa in Karachi

  • February 26: vs. England in Lahore

  • February 28: vs. Australia in Lahore

Entering the tournament with momentum from their historic series win and a blend of emerging talents and seasoned players, Afghanistan is well-positioned to challenge traditional cricket powerhouses. 

Domestic cricket + T20 leagues

  • Gujarat vs Kerala, Semi-Final 1

KER 206/4 (89) 

Day 1: Stumps

  •  Vidarbha vs Mumbai, Semi Final 2

     VID 308/5 (88)  

          Day 1: Stumps

  • Delhi Capitals Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women

On This Day

1984

AB de Villiers was a natural-born athlete, excelling in multiple sports before cricket became his true calling. By 21, he was already hailed as the future of South African cricket. After a steady start in 2004, he truly shone in 2008 with a double-century against India and match-winning knocks in England and Australia.

In 2010, he set a new South African record with an unbeaten 278 against Pakistan, and a year later, he was named limited-overs captain. Early in 2015, he rewrote the record books with the fastest ODI hundred (31 balls) and fastest 150 (64 balls), cementing his status as one of the most destructive batters of his era. He briefly took over as Test captain in 2016 but stepped down due to injury. In 2018, De Villiers bid farewell to international cricket, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and dominance.

Coming tomorrow

  • Zimbabwe vs Ireland, 3rd ODI

  • Gujarat Giants Women vs Mumbai Indians Women

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