The IPL has taken an unprecedented step by revealing the schedules for the next three seasons. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming IPL seasons, including the 2025 start date, match count, and player availability.
Key Dates for IPL Seasons
IPL 2025
- Start Date: March 14, 2025
- Final Match: May 25, 2025
- Total Matches: 74
IPL 2026
- Start Date: March 15, 2026
- Final Match: May 31, 2026
- Total Matches: Expected 84
IPL 2027
- Start Date: March 14, 2027
- Final Match: May 30, 2027
- Total Matches: Maximum of 94
The match counts align with the IPL’s tender document for the 2023-2027 media rights cycle, which outlined increasing match numbers over the seasons.
Overseas Player Availability for IPL 2025-2027
The IPL received confirmation from various cricket boards about overseas player availability for the next three seasons. Here’s a breakdown by country:
Australia
- All players, international and domestic, are available for IPL 2025.
- In IPL 2026, players participating in Australia’s ODI series in Pakistan will join after March 18.
- In IPL 2027, players involved in a commemorative Test match between Australia and England will join after the match.
England
- The ECB has listed 18 centrally contracted players who are fully available, including Jofra Archer, Jos Buttler, Harry Brook, and Sam Curran.
- Ben Stokes, however, is absent from the list as he opted out of the 2025 IPL mega auction.
South Africa, New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe
- Players from these countries will be fully available for all three seasons.
Sri Lanka
- Players will be fully available for IPL 2025 and retained players will continue for 2026 and 2027.
Bangladesh
- The BCB has listed 13 players with varying availability over the three years, including Shakib Al Hasan and Mustafizur Rahman.
What This Means for Franchises
- Consistent Schedules: The early announcement allows teams to plan long-term strategies, including player retention and auction tactics.
- Full Player Availability: Most Full Member nations’ players are confirmed to participate, bolstering team compositions.
- Growing Match Count: Fans can expect more action with an increasing number of matches every season.
With this clarity on schedules and player participation, the stage is set for thrilling IPL seasons ahead. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as the countdown to IPL 2025 begins!