The Maharaja Trophy 2025 has reached its most exciting stage with thrilling playoff matches underway. The Karnataka State Cricket Association’s premier T20 tournament has delivered spectacular cricket and heart-stopping moments, with RCB star Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missing a century in the most dramatic fashion possible.
Table of Contents
Latest Match Updates: Padikkal’s Near-Perfect Innings
Qualifier 1: Hubli Tigers Dominate
In Tuesday’s Qualifier 1 match, Hubli Tigers defeated Mangaluru Dragons convincingly, with captain Devdutt Padikkal playing a masterful innings. The left-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 99 runs off 64 balls, including 10 boundaries and 5 massive sixes.
“Padikkal concluded his innings with an impressive tally of 99 runs off 64 balls, which included 10 boundaries and 5 sixes, resulting in a strike rate of 154.69”
The heartbreak moment came in the final over when Padikkal needed just one more run to complete his century. Despite having multiple opportunities, disciplined bowling from Kranthi Kumar in the 20th over kept him stranded on 99.
Current Playoff Status
Today’s Matches (August 26, 2025):
- Qualifier 1: Hubli Tigers beat Mangaluru Dragons by 110 runs
- Eliminator: Gulbarga Mystics vs Bengaluru Blasters (7:15 PM IST)
Tournament Overview and Format
Six-Team Competition Structure
The Maharaja Trophy 2025 features six teams competing in a double round-robin format:
- Mangaluru Dragons (League winners – 15 points)
- Hubli Tigers (Runners-up – 14 points)
- Gulbarga Mystics (3rd place – 12 points)
- Bengaluru Blasters (4th place – 10 points)
- Mysore Warriors (5th place – 6 points)
- Shivamogga Lions (6th place – 3 points)
Playoff Schedule
Remaining Matches:
Read More: Fulham vs Man United: Match Timeline, Key Battles & Where to Watch the Premier League Showdown
Major Tournament Changes and Challenges
Venue Relocation Drama
The tournament faced a significant challenge when it was relocated from Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Mysuru due to safety concerns. This change occurred after:
- Police denied clearance for Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Safety issues stemming from June 4 stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations
- Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission deemed the stadium “unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering”
“The tournament schedule will remain unchanged despite the venue shift to Mysuru”
All 34 matches are now being played at the Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru as closed-door events.
Star Performers and Key Statistics
Leading Run Scorers
Devdutt Padikkal leads the tournament with 439 runs from 11 innings at an average of 43.90 and strike rate of 155.12. His consistent performances have been crucial for Hubli Tigers’ success.
Tournament Highlights
- 34 total matches from August 11-28, 2025
- Double round-robin league stage followed by playoffs
- Daily double headers at 3:15 PM and 7:15 PM IST
- Over 39 million viewers watched the 2024 edition
Where to Watch
Broadcasting Details:
- Television: Star Sports
- Live Streaming: FanCode (App & Website)
- Match Times: 3:15 PM and 7:15 PM IST
FAQ Section
Q: When is the Maharaja Trophy 2025 final?
A: The final is scheduled for August 28, 2025, at 7:15 PM IST at Wadeyar Stadium, Mysuru.
Q: Why was the venue changed from Bengaluru to Mysuru?
A: Due to safety concerns and police clearance issues at Chinnaswamy Stadium following the June 4 stampede incident.
Q: How many teams participate in the tournament?
A: Six teams compete in the Maharaja Trophy 2025 using a double round-robin format.
Q: Who are the defending champions?
A: Mysuru Warriors won the 2024 edition, defeating Bengaluru Blasters in the final.
Q: What happens in the eliminator match?
A: The losing team gets eliminated, while the winner advances to Qualifier 2 for another chance to reach the final.
