IMD Issues Orange Alert in Kolkata; Eden Gardens Preps for Possible Delay in Season Kickoff
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 season opener between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is under threat as rain disrupted practice sessions at Eden Gardens on the eve of the match. With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Kolkata and surrounding districts, there is growing concern that the opening game and the inaugural ceremony may face weather-related delays.
Practice Sessions Cut Short by Rain
Both teams began their practice sessions as scheduled around 5 PM, but steady drizzle began around 6 PM, forcing players off the field and bringing the preparations to a premature halt. The Eden Gardens ground staff had to act quickly, deploying full pitch covers to protect the playing surface — one of the few stadiums in India equipped to do so across the entire field.
IMD Issues Severe Weather Warning
The IMD New Alipore office has predicted moderate to heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, strong winds, and even hailstorms in several districts, including Kolkata, on Friday and Saturday. Specific warnings were issued for areas like Jhargram, Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Bardhaman, Hooghly, Howrah, Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and both North and South 24 Parganas.
Saturday’s forecast, the day of the opening match, includes:
- Gusty winds
- Lightning and thunderstorms
- Scattered to moderate rainfall throughout the evening
Inauguration Ceremony and Match Timing
The IPL 2025 season will begin with a grand opening ceremony at 6 PM, featuring star performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani. Organizers are closely monitoring the weather situation and are expected to make real-time decisions regarding any rescheduling or delays.
According to IPL rules, league-stage matches are permitted an additional hour of buffer time in case of rain delays. The cut-off time for a five-over match is 10:56 PM, and the match must conclude by 12:06 AM.
A Rainy Start to a Promising Season?
This year’s opening clash is particularly special as KKR and RCB face off in a season opener after 17 years. Fans have high expectations for a thrilling start to IPL 2025, but the weather gods may have other plans. Organizers remain hopeful that conditions will improve in time for a full match and successful opening ceremony.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.