The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced key matches and dates ahead of its 18th edition, set to kick off on March 22. The Kolkata Knight Riders will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match at Eden Gardens, which will also host the final on May 25. A total of 74 matches will be played across 13 venues during the tournament.
Ten teams will compete for the coveted title, with top cricketers like Virat Kohli, Pat Cummins, and Jos Buttler set to showcase their skills in India’s scorching heat. The IPL auction for this season saw Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant become the most expensive player ever, being sold for a record $3.2 million to Lucknow Super Giants, who then appointed him as captain. Shreyas Iyer, the title-winning skipper with Kolkata last season, was the second-most expensive buy, joining Punjab Kings for $3.1 million.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has generated billions in revenue, making the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) one of the richest governing bodies in sport. The success of the IPL has transformed T20 cricket, leading to the creation of similar events worldwide. With a lineup of top players and exciting matches lined up, fans can expect an action-packed and thrilling season of cricket ahead.
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