The wait is finally over! After 17 years of near misses, heartbreaks, and passionate fanfare, the Indian Premier League (IPL) will finally welcome a brand-new champion from among its original 2008 franchises. On Tuesday evening, June 3, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will battle it out at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the coveted IPL trophy — and a winner’s purse of ₹20 crore.
This historic IPL 2025 final is not just about glory and silverware — it’s about redemption, legacy, and making history.
A Title 17 Years in the Making
Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, both RCB and PBKS have remained among the few original franchises that had never laid hands on the elusive trophy. Mumbai Indians finally broke their title drought in 2013, and since then, every season has seen only repeat champions. Teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad (2016) and Gujarat Titans (2022) won titles, but neither were part of the original eight.
Now, 17 years later, one of the two original sides — who have often been synonymous with “so close, yet so far” — will finally lift their maiden IPL trophy.
RCB’s Painful Past
RCB’s journey has been one of promise and pain. Led by legends like Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, and most famously Virat Kohli, the team made it to the finals in 2009, 2011, and 2016, only to fall at the final hurdle each time. Fans coined the phrase “Ee Sala Cup Namde” (This year is our year) as a hopeful mantra — a dream that has lived on despite every setback.
This year, the team has shown a perfect blend of experience and aggression. With Kohli back in prime form, and young guns stepping up throughout the season, RCB have looked more determined than ever to end the drought.
Punjab Kings in Unfamiliar Territory
PBKS, in contrast, have had a more inconsistent IPL history. Their only previous final appearance came in 2014, where they lost in a high-octane clash. Since then, they’ve struggled to even make the playoffs, frequently finishing in the bottom half of the table.
But 2025 has been different. Under the dynamic leadership of Shreyas Iyer — who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title in 2024 — the Kings finished at the top of the table and displayed unmatched consistency. With key contributions from players like Marcus Stoinis and Sam Curran, PBKS have turned their fortunes around and earned a shot at redemption.
IPL 2025 Prize Money Breakdown
The stakes couldn’t be higher — both in terms of prestige and prize money.
- Champions: ₹20 crore
- Runners-up: ₹13 crore
- 3rd Place (Qualifier 2 loser): ₹7 crore
- 4th Place (Eliminator loser): ₹6.5 crore
The prize pool remains the same as IPL 2024, when KKR lifted the trophy and Sunrisers Hyderabad ended up as runners-up. The ₹20 crore reward will be distributed among players, coaching staff, and support teams — further incentivizing every squad member to deliver their best.
A Final for the Ages
With two fiercely loyal fan bases, unforgettable journeys, and passionate players, the IPL 2025 final promises to be a blockbuster event. Whether it’s Virat Kohli finally getting his hands on the IPL trophy or Shreyas Iyer leading a second team to glory in back-to-back years, history will be made tonight.
One thing is certain — when the final ball is bowled under the lights in Ahmedabad, a long chapter of IPL history will close, and a new one will begin with fireworks, glory, and a hefty cheque.
