Sat Mar 22 03:10:00 UTC 2025: ## IPL 2025 Opener Threatened by Stormy Weather Forecast

**Kolkata, March 21** – The highly anticipated opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), is under threat due to a severe weather warning. The match, scheduled for Saturday, March 22nd at Eden Gardens, faces potential disruption from heavy rain and thunderstorms predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has issued an orange alert for Kolkata and surrounding areas, forecasting intermittent to moderate rain with thunderstorms and strong winds from March 20th to 22nd. This poses a significant challenge to the organizers, potentially affecting not only the match itself but also the star-studded opening ceremony featuring Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani. The ceremony is scheduled for 6 PM, with the toss at 7 PM.

Both KKR and RCB’s practice sessions have already been hampered by rain, raising concerns about the match’s viability. Unlike playoff and final matches, group-stage games do not have reserve days. However, the match can be extended by up to 60 minutes past the scheduled finish time. A minimum of five overs per team is required for a result, with a cut-off time of 10:56 PM IST to complete a five-over match by 12:06 AM IST. Overs will be deducted based on the duration of rain delays.

While Eden Gardens boasts one of the best drainage systems in the country, the potential for sustained rainfall remains a concern. The venue’s superior drainage should allow for a quicker resumption of play if there’s a break in the rain before the toss. However, the severity of the predicted storm leaves the fate of the IPL opener uncertain.

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