Fri Mar 21 10:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Rain Threatens IPL 2025 Opener in Kolkata
**Kolkata, March 21** – The highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is under threat from inclement weather. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the Kolkata region, forecasting light to moderate rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds until Saturday.
While short rain spells have already disrupted KKR’s practice schedule – including a washed-out inter-squad match – both teams managed to complete their training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the IMD predicts the heaviest rainfall for Friday and Saturday, raising serious concerns about the season opener scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd, at 7:30 PM at Eden Gardens.
The IPL rules allow for a one-hour extension in case of rain delays, with a minimum of five overs per side required for a result. A no-result would award one point to each team. Despite the looming threat, organizers are proceeding with plans for an opening ceremony before the toss at 7 PM. Following the match, KKR will travel to Guwahati, while RCB heads to Chennai for their next fixtures.
First Piper 