Aakash Chopra criticizes Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 schedule
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has expressed his confusion over the Mumbai Indians's (MI) schedule for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. He pointed out that the team will be constantly switching between home and away matches during the league stage. The IPL 2025 schedule was officially announced on Sunday, February 16.
Tournament details
MI's IPL journey: From opener to league-phase end
MI will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on March 23. Their league-phase journey will end with a clash against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Mumbai on May 15. Chopra expressed his opinion on this schedule via a video on his YouTube channel, saying it's hard to understand why MI are playing every alternate game away.
Schedule impact
Chopra highlights potential challenges for MI
Further explaining, Chopra said that this schedule could be difficult for the five-time champions. "They are playing two consecutive games at home only once in the entire season, and that will take a toll," he said. He believes that from MI's perspective, they might find it difficult due to the demanding nature of travel involved in such a schedule.
Game details
MI's back-to-back home games and CSK's advantageous schedule
After their opener against CSK, MI will take on the Gujarat Titans (GT) in another away game in Ahmedabad on March 29. Their only consecutive home games are against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and CSK on April 17 and April 20, respectively. Meanwhile, Chopra feels CSK have a good schedule as four of their first six games are at home.