IPL 2025: Format, England players & how to follow the action on BBC

The highly anticipated 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off on Saturday, 22 March, marking the 18th edition of the world’s biggest T20 franchise tournament. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will open the season at home against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by superstar Virat Kohli, in a thrilling curtain-raiser at 14:00 GMT.

How to Follow IPL 2025 on BBC

Cricket fans can enjoy live commentary on more than 35 matches, including the grand final on Sunday, 25 May, via BBC Sounds, BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, and the BBC Sport website and app. Additionally, daily match reports will be available on the Franchise Cricket page.

IPL 2025: Tournament Format

10 teams will compete across 70 group-stage matches at 13 venues, running until Sunday, 18 May.

Teams are divided into two groups of five. Each team plays 14 matches:

Twice against teams in their own group (home and away).

Twice against one designated team from the other group.

Once against the remaining four teams from the other group.

The top four teams from the combined standings advance to the playoffs.

Qualifier 1 (20 May): Top two teams battle for a direct spot in the final.

Eliminator (21 May): Third and fourth place teams compete, with the winner facing the loser of Qualifier 1 for a place in the final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on 25 May.

England Players in IPL 2025

This season, 10 England players will feature in the IPL, representing various franchises.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) boast the largest English contingent, including opener Phil Salt, all-rounders Liam Livingstone and Jacob Bethell (recovering from injury).

Jofra Archer returns to Rajasthan Royals after his injury-plagued stint with Mumbai Indians.

Jos Buttler, England's former white-ball captain, moves from Rajasthan Royals to Gujarat Titans.

Sam Curran returns to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), joined by IPL debutant Jamie Overton.

Moeen Ali, a two-time IPL champion, joins defending champions KKR.

Will Jacks and left-arm pacer Reece Topley aim to impress for Mumbai Indians.

Some notable absentees include Ben Stokes, who opted out of the auction, while Jonny Bairstow, Adil Rashid, and James Anderson went unsold. Harry Brook withdrew from Delhi Capitals to focus on England duties, and Brydon Carse was ruled out due to injury.