The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, the nation’s most celebrated cricket extravaganza, is all set to make a grand return. The tournament kicks off on Saturday, March 22, at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in what has been one of the most intense yet underrated rivalries in IPL history.
However, the much-anticipated IPL 2025 opening ceremony faces an unexpected hurdle—heavy rainfall in Kolkata, which threatens to dampen the festivities. Despite the weather challenges, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has promised a spectacular show featuring Bollywood celebrities, renowned singers, and mesmerizing performances to set the stage for an electrifying season.
IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, and Venue
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Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
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Time: 6 PM IST
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Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
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Duration: Over 1 hour
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First Match: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
As per IPL tradition, the home ground of the defending champions hosts both the opening ceremony and the final match. Eden Gardens, which last hosted the IPL opening ceremony in 2015, is once again in the spotlight, setting the stage for what promises to be an enthralling season.
🚨 BIGGEST NAMES OF CRICKET AS COMMENTATORS IN IPL 2025 🚨
- Enjoy IPL on Star Sports & JioHotstar. pic.twitter.com/EOrfzShxYP— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 21, 2025
Star-Studded Lineup for the IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony
The IPL opening ceremony is known for its glitz and glamour, and the 2025 edition is no exception. Several Bollywood stars and internationally acclaimed musicians are expected to deliver jaw-dropping performances.
Confirmed Performers:
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Disha Patani (Actress and Dancer)
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Shreya Ghoshal (Playback Singer)
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Karan Aujla (Punjabi Singer and Rapper)
Expected Performers:
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Arijit Singh (Singer)
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Varun Dhawan (Actor)
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Shraddha Kapoor (Actress and Singer)
International Act:
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OneRepublic (Band, approached for performance)
The event will feature spectacular dance sequences, live music, a laser show, and cultural performances showcasing the rich heritage of West Bengal. Additionally, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.
Weather Update: Will Rain Disrupt the Opening Ceremony?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a weather advisory predicting thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall in parts of Kolkata until March 22, which raises concerns over the smooth execution of the ceremony and the opening match.
Kolkata Hourly Weather Forecast on March 22, 2025:
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Morning (until 8:30 AM): Showers expected
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Afternoon (from 3:30 PM onwards): Cloudy skies, slight chance of drizzle
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Evening (from 7:30 PM onwards): 48% chance of rain during match hours, gradually reducing overnight
Despite potential rain delays, organizers are prepared with contingency plans to ensure that the event proceeds as smoothly as possible.
Where and How to Watch the IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Live
For fans eager to catch the live broadcast of the opening ceremony, multiple options are available:
TV Broadcast:
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Star Sports Network will telecast the event across various channels, including:
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Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD
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Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD
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Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD
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Star Sports Khel, Star Sports 3
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Live Streaming:
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JioCinema (Free streaming in India)
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Disney+ Hotstar (Subscription-based access)
With multiple platforms available, fans across India and the world can enjoy the grand spectacle in high definition.
IPL 2025 Team Groups and Format
The tournament follows the traditional group-based format, with ten teams divided into two groups. Teams will battle for a spot in the playoffs before the final showdown on May 25, 2025.
Group A:
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Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
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Rajasthan Royals (RR)
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
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Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Group B:
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Mumbai Indians (MI)
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Gujarat Titans (GT)
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Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
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Delhi Capitals (DC)
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Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
IPL 2025 Opening Match: KKR vs. RCB Squads
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Squad:
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
Key Players: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Rinku Singh, Quinton de Kock, Anrich Nortje
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad:
Captain: Rajat Patidar
Key Players: Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Liam Livingstone, Josh Hazlewood, Tim David
With star-studded lineups and fierce competition, fans can expect an exciting contest between KKR and RCB.
How to Buy IPL 2025 Tickets?
For those looking to witness the IPL live in the stadium, tickets can be purchased through:
Official Ticketing Partners:
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BookMyShow
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Paytm Insider
Stadium Box Offices:
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Tickets will also be available at official stadium ticket counters.
Estimated Ticket Prices:
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General Entry: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
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Premium Seats: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
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VIP & Hospitality Boxes: ₹25,000 – ₹30,000
Given the popularity of IPL matches, fans are advised to book their tickets early.
An Unmissable Start to IPL 2025
Despite weather concerns, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony promises to be a grand spectacle, featuring stellar performances, cultural displays, and a star-studded audience. With Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening match, the stage is set for yet another thrilling IPL season.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates, match highlights, and live coverage as IPL 2025 kicks off in style at Eden Gardens!
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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