In a first, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the start dates for the next three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL), providing clarity to players, franchises, and cricket boards worldwide.

The early release of dates signals the BCCI’s intent to streamline the international cricket calendar, allowing countries to plan better around the IPL window. According to media reports, the schedule details were shared with all franchises on Friday morning, just days ahead of the highly anticipated IPL 2025 mega auction.

IPL 2025

The 2025 season of the IPL will kick off on March 14 and culminate with the final on May 25. This early announcement offers franchises ample time to prepare, scout talent, and strategize for the two-month-long cricketing league.

The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place this weekend in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking the event’s debut in the Middle East. Scheduled for November 24 and 25, the auction will commence at 3 PM IST on Sunday.

Upcoming IPL Schedules: 2026 and 2027

The BCCI has also disclosed timelines for the subsequent two IPL seasons:
IPL 2026: The tournament will begin on March 15, with the final slated for May 31.
IPL 2027: The season will run from March 14 to May 30.

Mega Auction Highlights

The IPL 2025 mega auction has already generated buzz with its high-profile location and notable player inclusions. In a late twist, England pacer Jofra Archer has thrown his hat into the ring. Initially excluded from the final auction list of 574 players, Archer has reportedly been added at the special request of his representatives.

Archer’s Auction Details

Archer will be player number 575, entering the accelerated auction phase after the first 116 players have been bid on. While his base price remains undisclosed, his availability for the full 2025 season is expected to make him a highly sought-after pick.

Additional Inclusions

Archer is not the only late addition to the auction. USA star Saurabh Netravalkar and domestic talent Hardik Tamore have also been added to the list.

Hosting the IPL mega auction in Jeddah is a significant milestone, reflecting the BCCI’s efforts to expand the tournament’s global footprint. Saudi Arabia looks forward to growing as a hub for sports and entertainment.

What to Expect at the Auction?

The IPL 2025 mega auction is expected to feature fierce bidding as franchises eye the best talent for the upcoming season. Top players, including late entrants like Archer, and the addition of new names will be present for the mega event.

Story first published: Saturday, November 23, 2024, 5:02 [IST]