Weather Woes Threaten IPL 2025 Season Opener in Kolkata
The opening match of IPL 2025, featuring the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), is under serious threat due to an "orange alert" issued for Kolkata by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This alert warns of thunderstorms, gusty winds, and moderate to heavy rainfall expected on March 22, the day of the match.
Weather Forecast and Impact on the Match:
- The IMD has predicted unstable weather conditions, with thunderstorms and lightning likely throughout the day. Rain has already disrupted practice sessions for both teams leading up to the match.
- The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, with a toss at 7 PM. However, if the weather does not improve, there is a high likelihood that the match could be abandoned, which would be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting the season opener.
- A grand opening ceremony featuring performances by Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani is also planned for 6 PM, but this too may be affected by the inclement weather.
Ground staff at Eden Gardens have taken precautions by covering the pitch to protect it from rain. The venue is equipped with good drainage systems, which may allow for play to resume quickly if rain subsides. However, persistent rain could lead to significant delays or a complete washout.