Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), led by Ajinkya Rahane, will face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens to kick off IPL 2025 on Saturday. However, rain could disrupt the much-anticipated match. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an “orange alert” for Friday and Saturday, warning of thundersqualls, gusty winds, lightning, hailstorms, and moderate rainfall across various districts, including Kolkata.
The IMD predicted thundersqualls, gusty winds, and light to moderate rainfall for Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah on Friday. Thunderstorms with gusty winds, lightning, and moderate rainfall may hit Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, and North and South 24 Parganas on Saturday.
The match is set to begin at 7:30 pm, with the toss scheduled for 7 pm. On Friday, a steady drizzle ended the evening practice sessions of both KKR and RCB prematurely. Practice started at 5 pm but rain forced a stoppage around 6 pm. Fortunately, Eden Gardens has full ground covers, protecting the playing surface.
Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani will perform at a grand opening ceremony scheduled for 6 pm on Saturday. However, it remains uncertain if the weather will allow the event to proceed smoothly. According to IPL rules, league-stage matches have a one-hour extension window, with the cut-off time for a five-over match set at 10:56 pm and play concluding by 12:06 am. Rain had already disrupted preparations in Kolkata, with a KKR intra-squad practice match washed out after just one innings.
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