Mumbai: As the highly anticipated 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on March 22 in Kolkata, Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have emerged as the favourites in the betting market.
Despite injuries and suspensions affecting several teams, bookmakers remain optimistic about the season, setting the odds for Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad at `5.50 to win the coveted title.
With team strategies being disrupted due to player absences, franchise think tanks are facing a challenging task in finalising their playing XIs.
However, this uncertainty has not dampened the enthusiasm of punters, as betting activity has already gained momentum.
According to sources, the 2025 IPL betting market is expected to see an astonishing amount of money exchanging hands, likely exceeding $100 billion (approximately ₹8,359 crore in Indian currency).
The tournament is known for fueling illegal betting operations, which peak during the IPL season, making it one of the most lucrative times for bookies and gamblers alike.
A bookmaker, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed, "Unlike previous editions, where a single team dominated the betting charts, this year, both Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have caught the attention of punters."
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see if these two teams live up to expectations or if another franchise rises to steal the spotlight. With high stakes both on and off the field, IPL 2025 is set to be another thrilling season for cricket fans and gamblers alike. Kolkata Knigh Riders meet Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday.
