The grand opening ceremony of IPL 2025 is set to be an unforgettable event, blending the excitement of cricket with the glamour of Bollywood. As the countdown to the first match of the season begins, the legendary Eden Gardens in Kolkata will be transformed into a stage for some of the biggest names in entertainment. With both local and international stars lined up to perform, the ceremony is poised to be one of the most spectacular events in the history of the Indian Premier League.
Bollywood stars to shine on the IPL stage
Bollywood megastars Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Shraddha Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal will be among the headline acts, ensuring that the opening ceremony is filled with dazzling performances. Fans are particularly excited to see Shah Rukh Khan, who owns the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise, take part in the festivities. His presence at Eden Gardens, a stadium where his team has enjoyed many historic moments, adds a personal touch to the celebrations.
In addition to these A-list stars, Bollywood sensations Varun Dhawan and Disha Patani will showcase their dance moves, adding to the high-energy atmosphere. Music lovers are in for a treat as well, with performances from renowned playback singers Shreya Ghoshal and Arijit Singh, whose soulful melodies are set to captivate the audience. Karan Aujla is also expected to deliver a special act, bringing a fusion of music genres to the stage.
International star power: OneRepublic joins the lineup
In a move that’s sure to delight global cricket fans, American pop band OneRepublic has been invited to perform at the opening ceremony. Their inclusion adds an international flair to the event, making it more appealing to viewers from across the world, particularly in the UK where the IPL has a growing fan base. OneRepublic’s performance is expected to provide a unique musical experience, blending western pop with the Bollywood extravaganza.
A celebration across 13 venues
In a first for the IPL, the opening ceremony won’t be confined to just one night. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has planned ceremonies at all 13 IPL venues across the country. This move will spread the celebration to cricket fans in different regions, ensuring that the festive atmosphere reaches every corner of India. While Eden Gardens will host the grand launch, fans in other cities can look forward to performances from stars like Madhuri Dixit, Janhvi Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan in their local stadiums.
This ambitious plan will present some logistical challenges, with the BCCI working closely with state associations to ensure the ceremonies don’t interfere with match schedules. Each venue will have a selection of Bollywood artists performing during breaks in the matches, giving fans a unique blend of entertainment and sport.
The magic of Eden Gardens
Eden Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of cricket fans, and it’s the perfect setting for the IPL’s grand launch. With a seating capacity of 68,000, the stadium is sure to be filled with a buzzing atmosphere as fans eagerly await both the performances and the cricketing action. Often referred to as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” Eden Gardens has been the backdrop for many iconic moments in the sport’s history, making it the ideal venue for the start of another thrilling IPL season.
A night of spectacle and cricket
The opening ceremony is scheduled to take place on 22 March 2025, with the entertainment starting at 6 PM IST. Following the star-studded performances, the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the first match of the season at 7:30 PM IST.
For UK fans, the IPL opening ceremony will be broadcast live on Star Sports, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. As the IPL continues to grow in popularity in the UK, this event is set to draw in a large audience eager to witness the exciting blend of cricket, music, and Bollywood glitz.
IPL's global appeal
While the IPL is undoubtedly a celebration of cricket, it’s also a cultural phenomenon that transcends the sport. The inclusion of international stars like OneRepublic and the spread of ceremonies across 13 venues show the league’s intent to appeal to a global audience. For UK fans, the spectacle of the IPL opening ceremony offers a unique window into the vibrant world of Indian cricket and entertainment.
As the new season kicks off, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony promises to be an unforgettable night, setting the stage for weeks of thrilling matches and memorable moments both on and off the field.
Ayush Mhatre of Chennai Super Kings play a shot during the 2025 IPL match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 3, 2025, in Bengaluru, India. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
