IPL 2025 commences on March 14, dates for 2026 and 2027 season also out: Report

In a surprising move, the dates for the next three IPL seasons are out. IPL 2025 edition will kickoff on March 14 with the finale to be held on May 25. On the other hand, the 2026 season will be held between March15 and May 31 whereas the 2027 editionwill also be played during the same time, starting onMarch 14 with the final on May 30. The dates for the upcoming three editions have never been out so early but it is likely these might end up being the final ones.

In an emailreleased to all tenfranchises, on Thursday (Nov 21), and accessed by ESPNCricinfo, the IPL hastermed the tournament dates as windows, however, it might end up being the final schedule. Notably, the 2025 season will comprise 74 matches, i.e.the same as the last three editions (in 2022, 2023 and 2024).

As per the tender document for the new rights cycle, the IPLlistedvarying numberof matches per season: ranging from 74 games each in 2023 and 2024, 84 games apiecein 2025 and 2026, and a maximum of 94 encounters for the final year of the deal, which will be held in2027. An official confirmation regarding the number of games for the next three seasons is expected tobe out soon.

The dates have been revealed just before the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction. The auction will be held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Nov 24 and 25, marking only the second time when the auction proceedings will take place outside India. The IPL 2024 auction was held in Dubai.

The forthcoming auction will see some big players going under the hammer, such as Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Liam Livingstone, etc.