IPL 2025 Opener in Kolkata Faces Weather Disruptions as IMD Issues Orange Alert

Kolkata: The much-anticipated IPL 2025 opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22, is under a weather threat as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an "orange alert" for the city.

A steady drizzle on Friday evening forced both teams to cut short their practice sessions, with rain setting in around 6 PM, just an hour after practice began. However, Eden Gardens' full ground covers ensured the pitch remained protected.

Weather Forecast and Impact on Match

The IMD’s New Alipore office has warned of thunderstorms, squalls, gusty winds, lightning, and moderate rainfall across multiple districts, including Kolkata.

• Friday: Thunderstorms expected in Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah.
• Saturday: Storms predicted in Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, and North and South 24 Parganas.

The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, with the toss at 7:00 PM. An opening ceremony featuring Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani is set for 6:00 PM, but the weather may disrupt plans.

Match Delays and IPL Regulations

According to IPL rules, league-stage matches have a one-hour extension window. This means:

• A five-over match can be played if it begins before 10:56 PM.
• The cut-off time for match completion is 12:06 AM.

The weather has already impacted pre-season preparations, as a KKR intra-squad practice match was washed out earlier. With fans eagerly awaiting the clash, all eyes are now on the skies as Kolkata braces for unpredictable conditions.