Rajasthan Royals will commence their IPL 2025 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23rd, 2025. Here is the full IPL 2025 Schedule of Rajasthan Royals.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will commence their IPL 2025 campaign on 23 March 2025 as they will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an away game. The Sanju Samson-captained side will play their opening two home games in Guwahati and will play their first game in Jaipur on 13 April against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The inaugural champions of the IPL qualified for the play-offs in IPL 2024, as they finished third after failing to go past Qualifier 2.
Major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala
An impact of legal ruling marks a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Get the complete story here.
For years, the Board of Control for Crock in India (BCCI) has navigated various challenges. However a recent coury order is set to have a major financial impact on the sport's governing body.
This ruling revisits a past chapter involving a former IPL team and a long-standing dispute with them. The decision has arrived after a decade of the case, and brings a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
Read the full story to know why.
How the BCCI-Kochi Tuskers Kerala dispute began
BCCI authorities, 2025. Image | Facebook
The root of this major legal battle dates back to 2011, when the BCCI terminated the contract of the IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The team, managed by Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL), had only played in one IPL season.
The BCCI claimed they ended the contract because Kochi Tuskers failed to provide a required annual bank guarantee by a deadline in March 2011. This was seen by the BCCI as a serious breach of their agreement.
However, the team owners had a different view. They argued that their delay was due to several issues, including problems with the stadium in Kochi and delays in getting necessary approvals. They also stated that the BCCI continued to deal with them and even accepted payments for months after the March deadline.
The team owners believed this showed the BCCI had waived or overlooked the deadline, making their sudden contract termination unfair.
Taking the matter to arbitration:
Because they felt the termination was wrong, the Kochi Tuskers owners took the matter to arbitration in 2012. An independent tribunal looked at all the facts. In June 2015, this tribunal ruled in favor of Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
The tribunal specifically directed the BCCI to pay ₹384.83 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) for lost earnings and ₹153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) for a wrongfully cashed bank guarantee. These amounts also included interest and legal costs.
The Financial Fallout: Why ₹538 crore to be paid now?
Bombay High Court. Image | Wikipedia
The BCCI challenged the 2015 arbitration award in the Bombay High Court, arguing it was unfair and that the damages were too high. However, the recent Bombay HC ruling upheld the original arbitration decision.
This means the BCCI is now legally requiredto pay a total of over ₹538 crore, including accumulated interest since 2015, to the KTK owners. This represents a major financial loss and a significant legal defeat for the Indian cricket board.
A single social media activity has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world ahead of IPL 2026 auction. A recent 'hint' from Sanju Samson's manager has intensified the possibility of his transfer to Chennai Super Kings from Rajasthan Royals in the next season.
Fans are wondering whether this would come true and change the landscape for both the teams in the future, or is it just another false call.
There's been a mixed bag of positive and upsetting reactions in the past 24 hours, but the real question still stands: Will Sanju Samson join CSK for IPL 2026? Check out how Manager's hint fuels mega transfer rumours.
"Time to Move": Samson's recent viral Instagram post
On June 7, Sanju Samson posted a photo on Instagram that begin the rumors. The image featured him alongside his wife, crossing a prominent yellow line on the road. He captioned the post: "Time to MOVE..!!"
This visual cue, combined with the caption and the fact that a Tamil song ('Mun Andhi' from 7 Aum Arivu) was also part of the post, immediately sparked discussion. The comments section was quickly flooded with fans linking the "yellow" color and the "move" message to the Chennai Super Kings.
Comments like "He is definitely moving to CSK" and "Welcome to CSK 💛" can be seen all over the post.
Manager's IPL 2026 hint that sparked Sanju Samson transfer rumours
Sanju Samson's manager's profile (left) and the post he liked on Instagram (right). Image | One Cricket
The intense speculation regarding Sanju Samson moving to CSK for IPL 2026 intensified due to a subtle yet impactful social media action by his manager, Prashob Suvedan. He liked a viral post on X (formerly Twitter), which explicitly stated that Samson might be released fromRajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2026 auction.
This gets more interesting as the post also claimed CSK having already approached Samson regarding the move.
Therefore, the timing and nature of his manager's digital interaction ignited widespread speculation and put a layer of possibility about this matter.
— Sanju Samson Fans Page (@SanjuSamsonFP) June 16, 2025
🚨 Sanju Samson wants to join CSK, CSK wants Sanju Samson. Talks are on but it is not at all this simple.
RR doesn't want to trade Samson with any CSK's player, if Samson wants to join CSK then he will have to do it through auction. But then in Auction there is KKR who gonna… pic.twitter.com/Dy6mpX1Ke2
From South Africa's 27-year ICC wait to RCB's IPL triumph after 18 years, this year saw some decades-long trophy droughts coming to an end, which raises a question: Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Find out why.
Every now and then, a year comes along that changes sports history. Imagine waiting years, even decades, for your favourite team to win. For fans across the globe, 2025 has turned that dream into reality.
This year has been special, marked by some of the longest trophy droughts in sports finally coming to an end. Teams like South Africa in cricket and Bologna in football have broken long-standing curses, proving that anything is possible.
Is 2025 the miraculous year in sports history? Join us as we explore why 2025 is a year sports fans won't soon forget, and is also termed as "Year of the underdogs."
1. South Africa won an ICC Trophy after 27 years/ 9,862 days
South Africa celebrates their WTC 2023-25 Final victory against Australia. Image | Mint
For nearly three decades, the "chokers" tag clung to the Proteas like an unwanted shadow. Time and again, they reached close to the glory, only to falter at crucial moments. But 2025 changed everything, as they lifted ICC WTC Trophy defeating a strong Australian side in the Final.
South Africa showcased a cricketing masterclass with extraordinary team efforts in a high-stakes final match. From Aiden Markram's century to Temba Bavuma's batting class, they gave it all to earn the standing ovation from the crowd as they walked with pride after the win.
This victory, as Mark Boucher previously said, indeed is the turnaround they needed to inspire future generations and earn global respect as champions that they truly deserve.
They made the world chant "It's time for Africa" with their performance.
2. RCB won their first ever IPL trophy after 18 years/ 6,570 days
RCB lifting the IPL 2025 title after defeating PBKS in the final. Image | NDTV
For 18 painfully long years, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and their passionate fans endured a rollercoaster of hope and heartbreak in IPL. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB delivered exceptional, balanced performance this season, finally breaking free of their curse.
The image of Virat Kohli lifting the IPL trophy, the last major piece missing from his glittering cabinet, was one of the most iconic sportingmoments of this year. It not only signified the team's victory, but also the ultimate reward for loyalty and career-long excellence.
The overall team contribution and management are the key factors that led them to secure their place as champions, shutting all the haters down.
3. Go Ahead Eagles won the KNVB Cup after 93 years/ 33,968 days
Go Ahead Eagles celebrating their KNVB Cup win after 93 years. Image | Instagram
Go Ahead Eagles soared to their first major trophy in 93 years, winning the KNVB Cup in 2025. For generations of fans in Deventer, this was a moment they might have only dreamed of. The emotions outpouring after the victory were sensational.
Their journey in the tournament was an underdog saga, defeating AZ Alkmaar, where they equalised the final match in the 99th minute to take it to penalties, and ultimately winning it from there!
4. Bologna won the Italian Cup after 51 years/ 18,619 days
Bologna lifting the Italian Cup after 51 years in 2025. Image | SportsDesk
Bologna's victory in the Italian Cupafter 51 years was a testament to patience and a perfectly executed season. Their triumph in 2025, defeating AC Milan 1-0 in the final, was a moment they manifested for years.
Key contributions from players like Don Ndoye, who scored the decisive goal despite returning from injury, and the tactical decisions of the coach, Vincenzo Italiano, brought joy to a city that waited for so long.
5. Crystal Palace won the first ever major trophy (FA Cup) after 119 years/ 43,714 days
Crystal Palace lifting the FA Cup after victory over Man City in 2025. Image | Sky News
Perhaps the most astonishing drought-breaker of 2025 belonged to Crystal Palace. After 119 years, the Eagles finally lifted their first-ever major trophy, the FA Cup.
The single decisive goal from Eberechi Eze and crucial saves from goalkeeper Dean Henderson shaped their 1-0 victory over Manchester City FC. This victory proved that even after more than a century, a club's biggest dream can still become reality!
6. Newcastle United won the League Cup after a long wait of 55 years/ 20,367 days
Newcastle United lifting the League Cup in 2025. Image | Instagram
For the passionate supporters of Newcastle United, 2025 brought an end to a 55-year wait for a major domestic trophy as they won the English Football League Cup.
The sight of the Magpies defeating the 10-time champions Liverpool (1-2) was a powerful moment that reinforced belief in their new era. Goals from local hero Dan Burn and Alexander Isak brought the victory home for them.
7. Harry Kane won his first-ever major trophy (Bundesliga) after 32 years/ 11,676 days
Harry Kane celebrating the Bundesliga win in 2025. Image | Instagram
For years, England's most prolific striker, Harry Kane, was burdened by an unfortunate tag: "trophy virgin." Despite his goal-scoring records and individual brilliance, a major team trophy has always slipped away from him.
But 2025 finally saw the narrative shattered as Kane immediately made his mark after joining Bayern Munich, leading them to their 33rd Bundesliga title. He was also the top scorer of the 2024-25 season, having scored 26 goals and 8 assists.
This victory felt like a personal one, putting a line to complete the picture in his football career.
Buzzing to be Bundesliga top goalscorer for the second year in a row and this one’s even more special as it goes alongside the Bundesliga title! Couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my teammates! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WnvIvCf28S
8. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League after 17 years/ 6,296 days
Tottenham lifting the UEFA Europa League title after 17 years in 2025. Image | Sky News
2025 finally broke Tottenham Hotspur's 17-year trophy drought, as they won the UEFA Europa League. This was a monumental win, bringing the title back to North London.
The tense final against Manchester United saw a crucial goal from Brennan Johnson secure the 1-0 victory. However, the most iconic image was Son Heung-min, the club's long-serving captain, finally lifting a major trophy.
After a decade of dedication and numerous near misses, Son's emotional moment, draped in the Korean flag, was the highlight of his commitment and love for football.
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case
RCB moves Karnataka HC seeking to quash stampede case following the fatal incident during their IPL victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, 2025. Get full updates here.
On June 4, 2025, what was meant to be a joyous celebration of Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) IPL victory turned into a horrific tragedy outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A stampede occurred amidst massive crowds attempting to gain entry for the victory festivities, resulting in the deaths of 11 individuals and leaving numerous others injured.
The incident prompted immediate outrage and questions regarding crowd management, event planning, and accountability. Police subsequently filed an FIR against RCB, the event management firm DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), alleging various offenses including culpable homicide not amounting to murder and criminal negligence. Several individuals, including RCB's marketing head, were arrested in connection with the case.
Legal Challenges and Court Observations
In response to the criminal case, Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited (RCSPL), the entity managing RCB, along with DNA Entertainment Networks and some of their officials, have approached the Karnataka High Court seeking to quash the FIRs. Their petitions contend that they have been falsely implicated and that the incident was not a result of their direct actions.
The petitions are being heard by Justice SR Krishna Kumar. During recent hearings, Justice Kumar has made observations, noting that it is "premature" to definitively conclude that RCB's social media posts inviting the public were the sole or primary trigger for the stampede.
The court has also urged the State not to make further arrests of RCB or DNA officials until the next hearing, signifying a cautious approach to the ongoing legal proceedings.
The State, however, has argued that RCB's invitations led to an uncontrolled gathering, far exceeding the stadium's capacity, contributing to the chaos. The investigation is ongoing, with a Special Investigation Team formed to probe the circumstances.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost to Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB) by 6 runs in the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025). With this, PBKS' dream of winning the first title remained unfulfilled. At the same time, PBKS' veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal once again failed to win the trophy.
So, let's know about those selected players who played 3 IPL finals and their team lost in all of them.
Players who lost all IPL finals
3. Mohit Sharma | 3 IPL Finals
Delhi Capitals' Mohit Sharma is another IPL star to have lost the final thrice. Mohit was part of CSK's squad from 2013-2015, where the five-time winners suffered defeats against Mumbai Indians in both the finals. It is worth noting that Sharma was part of both the finals.
Mohit's third try to win an IPL trophy was in 2023 with Gujarat Titans against his former team Chennai Super Kings, but suffered a heartbreaking defeat, as he also bowled the last over of the match and conceded 10 runs in the final two balls.
2. Rahul Tripathi | 3 IPL Finals
Rahul Tripathi is another star to have lost three finals with three different teams. Rahul has played for several IPL franchises in his career and played his first final in 2017 when he represented Rising Pune Supergiants. Tripathi got another shot at the trophy in 2021 with KKR, but lost to Chennai Super Kings.
The right-hand batter then moved to Sunrisers Hyderabad from KKR and reached the finals in 2024, but suffered a heartbreak against his former team Kolkata Knight Riders.
1. Yuzvendra Chahal | 3 IPL Finals
Yuzvendra Chahal is yet to win an IPL trophy and the right-arm leg-spinner came close thrice, but fell short on all three occasions. The first time Chahal played an IPL final was in 2016 with RCB, where the defending champions suffered a heartbreak against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Chahal's second exposure to IPL final was in 2022 when he moved to Rajasthan Royals and locked horns against Gujarat Titans. The fate didn't favour Chahal as Gujarat won the trophy in their maiden season.
The recently concluded IPL final between RCB and PBKS was the third time Chahal tried his luck to win an IPL trophy, but couldn't cross the line as his side fell short by six runs.
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