The ultimate contenders for the prestigious Indian Premier League (IPL) title battle it out during the IPL playoffs every season. Earlier, the IPL champion was used to be decided after two semi-finals. However, the playoffs format replaced the previous system in 2011.
After the end of the league stage, the teams finishing in the top four positions in the IPL table enter the conclusive stage of the tournament, the playoffs. The top two teams finishing at the helm of the points table enjoy the luxury of having two attempts to secure their place in the final, via the Qualifier 1 and the Qualifier 2.
How are the IPL playoffs played?
The IPL playoffs consist of four matches. Qualifier 1 is played between the two sides that finish at the top of the points table at the end of the league stage. The winner of Qualifier 1 advance to the IPL final. Qualifier 2 provides the loser of Qualifier 1 with another chance to reach the final. Eliminator is competed between the sides that finish third and fourth on the points table. The winner of Eliminator play against the loser of Qualifier 1 in Qualifier 2, with a place in the final at stake.
Check more details about the IPL winners and get the latest IPL news updates.
IPL 2025 Playoff Schedule
After the IPL 2025 was suspended owing to political tensions between India and Pakistan, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a new schedule for the league stage matches and the playoffs of the IPL 2025. The BCCI/IPL Governing Council has yet to announce the venues for the playoffs, as of May 16, 2025.
| Matches | Who vs Whom | Date | Venue | Time (IST) |
| Qualifier 1 | 1st placed team vs 2nd placed team | May 29, 2025 | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Eliminator | 3rd placed team vs 4th placed team | May 30, 2025 | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Qualifier 2 | Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator | June 1, 2025 | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Final | Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 | June 3, 2025 | TBA | 7:30 PM |
IPL 2025 Teams and Groups
The IPL 2025 has 10 teams and they are divided into two groups, Group A and Group B.
| Group A | Group B |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Rajasthan Royals | Gujarat Titans |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Delhi Capitals |
| Punjab Kings | Lucknow Super Giants |
FAQs on IPL
A. The top four teams on the points table qualify for the IPL playoffs.
A. Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have won five IPL titles each, as of May 2025.
A. The inaugural season of the IPL was played in 2008.
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