Mumbai/IBNS: The 18th edition of cash-rich T20 tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) will kickstart on March 21 and the final will be played on May 25, said Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla, media reports said.

Kolkata will host both the inaugural match as well as the final of the tournament's new edition.

The IPL 2024 began on March 22 with a match between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore and the final was held on May 26.

The trophy was lifted by Kolkata Knight Riders after the franchise thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

Punjab Kings announced cricketer Shreyas Iyer as the skipper of their squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

Iyer will be looking forward to winning the title as the champion captain since he led the Kolkata Knight Riders to victory in the 2024 edition of the cash-rich tournament.

Iyer was released by KKR and in the last auction, Kings added him to its squad by paying a massive price of INR 26.75 Crore.

"I am honoured that the team has reposed its faith in me. I am looking forward to working again with Coach Ponting. The team looks strong, with a great mix of potential and proven performers. I hope to repay the faith shown by the management to deliver our maiden title," Iyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.