In an email to franchises on Thursday, obtained by ESPNcricinfo, the IPL referred to these as “windows”, although they are likely to be the final dates. The 2025 season will feature 74 matches, in line with the three previous editions. However, this is ten fewer than the 84 matches outlined in the IPL’s 2022 media rights document for the 2023-27 cycle.

The bid for the media rights had calculated varying numbers of games over seasons: 74 games each in 2023 and 2024, 84 games in 2025 and 2026, and up to 94 games in 2027, the final year of the rights cycle.

The report further added that foreign players from most full member nations have received approval from their respective governing bodies to participate in the tournament for the next three years. However, this does not apply to Pakistan, whose players have been absent from the IPL since the inaugural season in 2008 due to ongoing political tensions between the two countries.

Ahead of IPL 2025, 574 players will feature in the mega auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on November 24 and 25.

Of the 574 players, 366 are Indian and 208 are overseas, including 3 players from associated countries. The auction will include 318 uncapped Indian players and 12 uncapped overseas players.

204 slots will be played with 70 slots available for foreign players. Rs 2 crore is the highest reserve price with 81 players opting to be in the top tier.IANS