IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony to Feature Shah Rukh Khan and Top Bollywood Stars

Kolkata, India — The highly anticipated opening ceremony for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata tonight, March 22, at 6 PM IST. Despite initial fears of inclement weather, the forecast has improved, allowing fans to look forward to a star-studded show headlined by Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan and renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal.

This year marks the 18th edition of the IPL, which continues to blend cricket with Indian entertainment culture. The event will feature performances from celebrated artists including Karan Aujla and actress Disha Patani, all expected to electrify the audience for about 25 minutes before the tournament’s opening match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Shah Rukh Khan, owner of KKR, will take center stage alongside other top performers. Ghoshal is set to delight the crowd with her melodious Bollywood hits. Ghoshal, known for her powerful voice, is considered one of India’s top playback singers and is expected to add to the ambiance with a blend of nostalgia and contemporary tunes.

“It’s not just a ceremony; it’s a celebration of cricket and culture,” said Snehasish Ganguly, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal. “We’ve planned a fantastic opening that fans will remember long after the tournament ends.”

The IPL has established itself as a megastar spectacle, where cricket meets Bollywood. Previous seasons have shown how performances by top celebrities can draw in larger audiences, both in person and via television. This year’s opening ceremony is expected to capture the essence of Indian culture and sportsmanship as it unfolds in front of a cheering crowd at Eden Gardens, a historic venue known for its rich cricketing legacy.

Fans have already begun arriving at Eden Gardens for the grand celebration, eagerly anticipating both the performances and the match. As excitement builds, reports indicate that additional surprise guests may perform or attend, heightening speculation about potential appearances from stars like Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor.

Despite earlier weather concerns of rain affecting the events leading up to the ceremony, current forecasts suggest clearer skies, lifting spirits among attendees. Weather disruptions had previously cut short practice sessions for both teams this week, with players getting limited time on the pitch.

“We’re just thrilled that the weather looks favorable now. The buzz is palpable,” remarked a KKR fan outside the stadium. As the clock ticks down to the opening events, the atmosphere is infused with anticipation, promising a memorable start to the IPL 2025.