Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025: Champions, Most Expensive Players & The League’s Impact

The Indian Premier League, or IPL, is one of the biggest and most lucrative T20 cricket leagues in the world. This league was launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, from then IPL has transformed the game with its franchise-based format, high-stakes player auctions, and thrilling matches.

Establishment and Growth of IPL

IPL was founded in 2008 with eight franchise teams. The league quickly became a global attraction, luring top international players and an immense audience. Over the years, IPL has grown in popularity through sponsorship value, and revenue, making it one of the richest cricket leagues in the world. The IPL introduced for the first time a franchise-based model, where teams were owned by business groups, celebrities, and industrial giants.

From its inception, the IPL gathered massive attention worldwide, primarily due to its fast-paced T20 format. This format in cricket usually delivers high-energy matches, nail-biting finishes, and a fusion of sports and entertainment.

Year-wise IPL Winning Team

Let’s look at the IPL champions of 2008 to the latest season:

IPL Auction and Mega Deals

One of the biggest attractions of IPL is its Mega Player Auction and lucrative deals to buy cricketers. In this teams bid for cricketers to build their squads. The IPL auction features intense bidding wars, with players often sold for millions of dollars. Some of the highest-paid players in IPL history include:

• Sam Curran (₹18.50 Cr – PBKS, 2023)

• Cameron Green (₹17.50 Cr – MI, 2023)

• Ben Stokes (₹16.25 Cr – CSK, 2023)

• Chris Morris (₹16.25 Cr – RR, 2021)

• Pat Cummins (₹15.50 Cr – KKR, 2020)

​In the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, Rishabh Pant emerged as the most expensive player in the league’s history. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) secured his services for a record-breaking ₹27 crore. Following closely, Shreyas Iyer was acquired by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for ₹26.75 crore, making him the second-highest purchase of the auction.

The IPL Mega Auction, held every few years, allows franchises to rebuild teams from scratch, increasing unpredictability and excitement.

Top T20 Leagues Similar to IPL

1. Big Bash League (BBL) – Australia
   • Started in 2011, features 8 teams, known for innovative rules like Power Surge.
2. Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Pakistan
   • Launched in 2015, consists of 6 teams, gaining popularity for competitive matches.
3. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – West Indies
   • Began in 2013, features 6 teams, famous for its aggressive T20 gameplay.
4. The Hundred – England
   • Introduced in 2021, 100-ball format, designed for a faster-paced experience.
5. SA20 – South Africa
   • Launched in 2023, features 6 teams, owned by IPL franchise owners.
6. International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE
   • Started in 2023, 6-team league, attracting global cricket stars.
7. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) – Bangladesh
   • Established in 2012, consists of 7 teams, known for its local and international mix.

These leagues bring global excitement to T20 cricket, but IPL remains the biggest and most influential in the world.

IPL 2025 Match Schedule 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commenced on March 22, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on May 25, 2025. The tournament features 10 teams competing across 13 venues in India, with a total of 74 matches planned. The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is hosting both the opening match and the final. 

IPL 2025 Squad List & Match Structure

​The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 features the following 10 teams:​

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)​

2. Delhi Capitals (DC)​

3. Gujarat Titans (GT)​

4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)​

5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)​

6. Mumbai Indians (MI)​

7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)​

8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)​

9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)​

10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)​

These teams are divided into two groups for the tournament.

Group A:

• Mumbai Indians (MI)​

• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)​

• Rajasthan Royals (RR)​

• Delhi Capitals (DC)​

• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)​

Group B:

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK)​

• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)​

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)​

• Punjab Kings (PBKS)​

• Gujarat Titans (GT)​

Each team plays 14 matches in the group stage, facing

• Twice against the other teams in their group.​

• Twice against the team in the same row of the opposite group

• Once against the remaining four teams of the opposite group.​

This format ensures a balanced and competitive tournament structure.

Important Dates for IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 features several key dates and venues:​

• Opening Match: March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

• Final Match: May 25, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. ​

• Playoffs:

  • Qualifier 1: May 20, 2025, at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad.​

  • Eliminator: May 21, 2025, at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad.​

  • Qualifier 2: May 23, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.​

  • Final: May 25, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. ​

The tournament spans 65 days, featuring 74 matches across 13 venues in India.

Why IPL is More Than Just Cricket?

The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, is a global sports phenomenon that blends cricket, entertainment, and business, making it one of the richest and most-watched T20 leagues in the world.

1. A Launchpad for Young Talent

IPL has nurtured stars like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shubman Gill, giving domestic and international players a stage to shine.

2. A Financial Powerhouse

• Sponsorships: Brands like Tata, Dream11, and JioCinema invest billions.
• Media Rights: Disney Star & Viacom18 secured a ₹48,390 crore deal (2023-27).
• Franchise Valuations: Teams like CSK and MI are worth billions.

3. A Fusion of Cricket & Entertainment

• Star-studded opening ceremonies
• Cheerleaders and DJs create stadium energy
• Celebrity owners like Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta add glamour

4. Unmatched Global Fan Engagement

• Massive social media presence
• 505 million+ TV viewers in IPL 2023
• Broadcast in over 120 countries

5. Transforming Indian Cricket

IPL’s aggressive playing style has influenced Team India’s approach, and franchises now have cricket academies to nurture talent.

Key Highlights of IPL 2025

1. Emerging Young Talents

• Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians) – Took 4/24 in his debut match against KKR, showcasing impressive pace and accuracy.
• Vignesh Puthur (Mumbai Indians) – Left-arm wrist spinner who claimed 3/32 against CSK, proving to be a key bowling asset.
• Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings) – Played a match-winning knock of 66* off 31 balls, demonstrating explosive batting.
• Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) – Became the youngest player in IPL history at just 13 years old, highlighting IPL’s role in nurturing young talent.

2. New Trends and Rule Modifications

• Advanced Umpiring Technology – Improved decision-making for no-balls and wides, enhancing game accuracy.
• Reintroduction of Saliva – Bowlers can now use saliva to shine the ball, helping generate swing.
• ‘Second Ball’ Rule – A second ball is introduced to counter dew effects, ensuring fairer conditions for both teams.
• Impact Player Rule – Teams can substitute a player mid-game, adding strategic depth.
• High-Scoring Matches – Teams are adopting aggressive batting strategies, with discussions around crossing the 300-run mark in T20 gaining momentum.

With a blend of young superstars and innovative rules, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting seasons in the league’s history.