The wait is finally over for cricket enthusiasts! The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commences today with a grand opening ceremony at the historic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata.
Sports News: The IPL, often called the cricket mega-event, begins today. A spectacular opening ceremony will be held at Kolkata's historic Eden Gardens stadium, followed by the tournament's first match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, weather forecasts predict that rain might disrupt the festivities. Bollywood stars will deliver dazzling performances at the opening ceremony, celebrating the IPL's 18th anniversary.
Bollywood Stars to Grace the Ceremony
Bollywood superstars will deliver electrifying performances at the opening ceremony. Singer Shreya Ghoshal will enthrall the audience with her melodious voice, while actress Disha Patani and Punjabi singer Karan Aujla will set the stage ablaze with their energetic dance numbers and songs. Furthermore, the performances of actors Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, and renowned singer Arijit Singh will also be a major attraction for viewers. The ceremony will be hosted by Shahrukh Khan, co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders and Bollywood superstar.
Will Rain Play Spoilsport?
According to the Meteorological Department, Kolkata has experienced cloudy skies and light rain for the past few days. Light to moderate rain is also predicted during the opening ceremony and the first match. The Eden Gardens ground staff are diligently preparing the field, and the pitch is covered to minimize the impact of rain.
Several teams in this year's IPL have opted for new captains. The most surprising change is in RCB, where young batsman Rajat Patidar has been appointed captain. Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR this season, while Axar Patel will captain Delhi Capitals. Shreyas Iyer will captain Punjab Kings, and Rajasthan Royals will begin under the leadership of Riyan Parag, as Sanju Samson is currently injured.
New Rules to Double the Thrill
IPL 2025 has implemented some new rules to make the game even more exciting. The most significant change is the reinstatement of the use of saliva on the ball, which was banned after the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, if the umpires deem that dew is affecting the game, a new ball can be used from the 11th over of the second innings. Teams can now also use DRS for wide ball decisions. The impact player rule will also continue this season.
This season, cricket fans' eyes will be particularly on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Both legendary batsmen retired from international T20 cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024. Therefore, IPL 2025 will mark their return to T20 cricket. While Virat Kohli will be the backbone of RCB's batting, Rohit Sharma will captivate fans in his new role.
65 Days, 74 Matches, and Cricket's Excitement Spreads Across 13 Cities
This season of IPL 2025 will last 65 days, with a total of 74 matches. Ten teams will be vying for the prestigious trophy. The final match of the season will be played on May 25th at Eden Gardens. This 18th edition of the IPL is sure to be a memorable one for cricket lovers. New captains, new rules, and players on the verge of setting new records will make it even more exciting.
