The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) is approaching its grand finale, with the championship match scheduled for May 25, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This marks the third time the historic venue will host the IPL final, having previously staged the climactic showdown in 2013 and 2015. As the league’s top contenders gear up for the playoffs, anticipation is mounting for what promises to be a fitting end to one of the most thrilling and unpredictable IPL seasons in recent memory.
Eden Gardens: A Venue of Legacy and Roar
Known as one of the most revered cricketing stadiums in the world, Eden Gardens holds a special place in IPL history. With a seating capacity of over 66,000, the stadium offers not only electric crowd energy but also a pitch that has historically supported both high-scoring thrillers and spin-heavy duels.
Its selection as the final venue underscores the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) vision to bring marquee matches to India’s traditional cricketing strongholds. Eden Gardens’ passionate fans and rich atmosphere make it an ideal stage for the IPL’s most important game.
Past IPL Finals at Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens has hosted two IPL finals before, both memorable in their own right:
- 2013 Final: Mumbai Indians defeated Chennai Super Kings to claim their first-ever IPL title in a low-scoring thriller.
- 2015 Final: Mumbai Indians again emerged victorious, beating CSK in a high-octane contest.
The 2025 final, therefore, could write a new chapter in the Eden Gardens–IPL narrative, potentially crowning a new champion or reaffirming the dominance of a past powerhouse.
Road to the Final: Playoff Picture Tightens
As the league stage nears its end, ten teams continue to battle for a place in the top four. The current front-runners include:
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Rising to second place after a dominant win over Lucknow.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Edging closer to qualification with a tense win over CSK.
- Multan Sultans & Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Also in the mix depending on final week performances.
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Eliminated after a disappointing campaign marked by eight losses.
With only a few games remaining, teams are not just vying for playoff qualification—but for positioning. Finishing in the top two ensures a second chance through the Qualifier 1 and Eliminator format, giving those teams a strategic edge.
IPL 2025: A Season of Milestones and Innovation
The 2025 edition of the IPL has been notable for several reasons:
- Introduction of new rules including dual new balls to counter dew and DRS enhancements
- Lifting of the saliva ban for ball shining
- A record-breaking mega auction held in Saudi Arabia
- Breakout performances by teenagers like Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who scored a 35-ball century at just 14 years of age
- Continued evolution in digital broadcast through JioHotstar, offering immersive viewing experiences
With these innovations and storylines, the 2025 season has set a new standard in T20 franchise cricket, both on and off the field.
Final Word: All Eyes on May 25
The stage is set for IPL 2025’s grand finale. As teams prepare to enter knockout mode, the ultimate goal remains the same: to lift the trophy in front of a roaring Eden Gardens crowd. With history, passion, and high stakes converging in Kolkata, fans across the world can expect an unforgettable showdown on May 25—one that could redefine legacies and etch new heroes into IPL folklore.
