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IPL 2025 'Stupid': Former Cricketers Slam Changes The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world. However, the latest changes made to the tournament for the 2025 season have not been well-received by former cricketers. Former players such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, and Harbhajan Singh have criticized the new format, calling it "stupid" and "ridiculous." The changes include reducing the number of teams from 10 to 8, introducing a new playoff system, and increasing the number of matches in the league stage. Sehwag, known for his aggressive batting style, expressed his disappointment with the changes, stating that the new format takes away the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament. Gambhir, a former captain of the Kolkata Knight Riders, echoed Sehwag's sentiments, saying that the changes are unnecessary and do not add any value to the tournament. Harbhajan Singh, a veteran spinner who has played in multiple IPL seasons, criticized the decision to reduce the number of teams, stating that it will result in fewer opportunities for young players to showcase their talent. He also questioned the logic behind increasing the number of matches, suggesting that it could lead to player burnout and injuries. Overall, the consensus among former cricketers is that the changes made to the IPL for the 2025 season are ill-advised and could have a negative impact on the quality of the tournament. While the IPL continues to be a highly popular and successful league, it remains to be seen how these changes will be received by fans and players alike. In conclusion, the criticism from former cricketers highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the IPL. While change is inevitable in any sport, it is essential to ensure that any modifications made to a tournament of this magnitude are done with careful consideration and input from all stakeholders. Only time will tell if the changes made to the IPL for the 2025 season will ultimately benefit the league or prove to be a misstep.