The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season opener between KKR vs RCB is in danger of being abandoned. Scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22, the match faces a major threat due to bad weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert, warning of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, raising concerns about the game’s fate.
Why is the IPL 2025 Opener Under Threat?
The IMD has predicted heavy rain and thunderstorms from Thursday to Sunday in South Bengal. Specifically, for March 22—the day of the opening match—an Orange Alert has been issued, meaning severe weather conditions are expected. Additionally, a Yellow Alert has been placed for March 23, indicating continued risks of disruption.
Key Weather Predictions for March 22
- Rain Probability: 74% chance during the day, increasing to 90% in the evening
- Cloud Cover: 97%
- Impact: High chances of rain interruptions, possibly leading to match abandonment
These conditions make it highly uncertain whether KKR and RCB will get enough playing time to complete a full match.
Opening Ceremony Still On?
Despite the weather concerns, the grand IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony is still scheduled to take place before the match. Fans were eagerly looking forward to performances by Bollywood actress Disha Patani and singer Shreyas Ghosal, among others. However, the unpredictable weather could impact these events as well.
Another IPL Match in Kolkata Already Rescheduled
Apart from the season opener, another IPL match in Kolkata has already been moved to Guwahati. The Kolkata Knight Riders’ match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), originally scheduled for April 6 at Eden Gardens, has been relocated due to security concerns during Ram Navami celebrations in the city.
Why Was the Match Moved?
- Security Concerns: The police informed the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) that providing security for both the festival and the IPL match would be difficult.
- BJP Leader Suvendu Adhikari: Announced that over 20,000 processions would be taking place across West Bengal on that day.
- BCCI’s Response: With no available rescheduling options in Kolkata, the match is now being shifted to Guwahati.
Will the IPL 2025 Opener Be Rescheduled?
As of now, the IPL 2025 opening match between KKR vs RCB remains scheduled for March 22, but rain might cause delays or even an outright cancellation. The final decision will depend on how severe the weather conditions are on match day.
For now, cricket fans are eagerly waiting to see if the rain will let the action begin or if the season will have an unfortunate, washed-out start.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 season is set to begin under the shadow of weather concerns. While fans are excited about the opening match and grand celebrations, the Orange Alert issued by the IMD has put the event in jeopardy. With a high probability of heavy rain, there’s a real chance that the match might be abandoned. Meanwhile, another game in Kolkata has already been relocated to Guwahati due to security concerns. The next few days will be crucial in determining whether IPL 2025 can kick off as planned or face an early setback.
