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The much-anticipated IPL 2025 opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22 faces a potential weather setback, as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kolkata and surrounding districts.
A steady drizzle on Friday evening disrupted both teams’ practice sessions, with rain beginning around 6 PM, forcing players to pack up early. Fortunately, Eden Gardens is among the few venues with full ground covers, ensuring that the playing surface remains protected from the downpour.
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IMD Issues Orange Alert for Kolkata
The IMD’s New Alipore office has forecasted thundersqualls, strong winds, lightning, hailstorms, and moderate rainfall for multiple districts, including Kolkata, on Friday and Saturday.
“Thundersqualls with gusty winds, lightning, hailstorms, and light to moderate rainfall are likely in Jhargram, Purba and Paschim Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah on Friday,” the IMD stated.
For Saturday (match day), the forecast warns of thunderstorms, lightning, and moderate rainfall in Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, and North and South 24 Parganas, raising concerns over the match proceedings.
Will Rain Impact the KKR vs RCB Match?
- Match start time: 7:30 PM IST
- Toss time: 7:00 PM IST
- Opening ceremony: 6:00 PM IST (featuring Shreya Ghoshal & Disha Patani)
- Cut-off time for a five-over game: 10:56 PM IST
- Final cut-off time for play completion: 12:06 AM IST
While rain could impact both the opening ceremony and the match, IPL regulations allow a one-hour extension for league-stage games. If necessary, a five-over match can start as late as 10:56 PM to determine a result.
With the tournament opener hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on the weather gods to see if Eden Gardens can host an uninterrupted clash between KKR and RCB to kick off IPL 2025.
