IPL 2025 Season to Start March 21, Confirms Chairman Dhumal

Synopsis
Arun Dhumal, IPL chairman, has declared that the 2025 IPL season will commence on March 21, with no significant rule changes. Following the auction in Jeddah, a total of 182 players were sold for Rs. 639.15 crores. The full schedule will be revealed soon.
Key Takeaways
- IPL 2025 starts on March 21
- 182 players sold for Rs. 639.15 crores
- No major rule changes announced
- Two to three matches expected at Dharamshala
- Sansad Khel Mahakumbh promotes rural talent
Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), Jan 27 (NationPress) The chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Arun Dhumal, announced on Monday that the 2025 season of the league will commence on March 21.
A total of 182 players were acquired for Rs. 639.15 crores during the mega auction that took place over two days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last November.
Dhumal also stated that the complete schedule will be revealed in the upcoming days, following discussions with all stakeholders.
"The IPL season is slated to commence in March. The date has been set for March 21. We will unveil the schedule soon," Dhumal informed reporters at the third edition of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh.
He noted that there haven’t been any significant alterations to the IPL rules, yet he is optimistic that two to three matches will be held at the Dharamshala Cricket Stadium.
"Certainly, many national matches are being held here in Bilaspur. In the future, events like the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy will be hosted here. We aim to ensure that Dharamshala also receives match opportunities. Last time we had two matches, this time we hope for three. There are no major changes in the rules. The IPL remains the premier cricket league globally, featuring players from all around the world, and it is conducted with immense competitive spirit. This season promises to be even more exciting.
The third edition of the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh has commenced, with the cricket tournament starting on Monday at the Bilaspur cricket stadium. A total of 45 teams from across the district are participating in this event, which will continue until March.
Dhumal emphasized that the Sansad Khel Mahakumbh has been instrumental in unearthing talented players from rural areas and enhancing sports facilities. He pointed out that an increasing number of emerging talents in national sports and other activities originate from rural backgrounds.
"When we examine talent at the national level, whether in cricket or any other sport, most of the outstanding talent is emerging from villages. Many renowned cricketers, like Shashwi Jaiswal and Rinku Singh, come from such backgrounds that lack familial support; nonetheless, they exhibit immense talent. I also want to highlight women cricketers.
"Renuka Singh Thakur, a girl from Himachal, was named the ICC Women Cricketer of the Year last year. When such opportunities are provided here, it allows more talents to showcase their abilities. I firmly believe that this will greatly benefit both the country and the state in the future," he concluded.