IPL Opening Ceremony 2025: Star Performers Revealed [Official List]

Eden Gardens will host the IPL opening ceremony on March 22, 2025, with its massive 68,000-seat capacity. Cricket fans can expect an amazing blend of sport and entertainment. Bollywood stars Shraddha Kapoor and Varun Dhawan will perform alongside musical sensation Arijit Singh.

The ceremony kicks off at 6 PM IST with striking light shows, fireworks, and cultural performances. The evening concludes with the tournament’s opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Teams will gather for the toss at 7 PM, and the match begins at 7:30 PM IST. This exciting IPL 2025 season will run until May 25 and feature 10 teams, including Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Mumbai Indians.

2025 IPL Opening Ceremony: Date, Time and Venue Details

The iconic Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata is ready to host the grand IPL 2025 opening ceremony. This historic venue, known as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” can seat over 66,000 spectators.

Eden Gardens to Host the Grand Spectacle

Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, will host both the opening ceremony and the final match of IPL 2025. The tournament will feature 74 matches across 13 cities over 65 days, with 12 double-headers. May 25 marks the final at the same venue.

Official Ceremony Start Time and Duration

The Cricket Association of Bengal has set aside 25 minutes for the opening festivities. The ceremony begins at 6:00 PM IST and promises an evening filled with entertainment and cricket. This schedule will give a smooth flow between performances and match preparations.

First Match: KKR vs RCB Following the Ceremony

After the opening celebrations, the focus moves to the season’s first match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The toss happens at 7:00 PM IST, with the game starting at 7:30 PM. The match brings an interesting twist as both teams will have new captains – RCB has appointed Rajat Patidar, while KKR’s leadership announcement is still pending.

The tournament promises non-stop action throughout the season. The playoff matches will take place at two venues – Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium hosts Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Eden Gardens stages Qualifier 2 and the Final.

Cricket fans can expect a perfect mix of entertainment and sport on opening day. The ceremony highlights India’s cultural richness through performances before the high-stakes cricket action begins. Two teams with devoted fan bases will create an electric start to IPL 2025.

Eden Gardens adds to the occasion’s grandeur naturally. The venue has been home to many memorable cricket moments, making it the perfect setting to launch the tournament’s 18th season. The stadium’s unique architecture and atmosphere create a stunning backdrop for both the opening spectacle and the first match of the season.

Star-Studded Performer Lineup Confirmed for IPL Opening

Bollywood stars and musical talents will light up the stage at IPL 2025’s grand opening. The lineup brings together dance, music, and entertainment that promises to leave audiences spellbound.

Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor’s Dance Extravaganza

Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor will bring their signature dance moves fresh from their recent film successes. The ‘ABCD 2′ stars’ electric chemistry and powerful performances make them perfect for this event. Shraddha’s recent success with ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Bhediya’ star Varun’s collaboration will kick off the season with remarkable choreography.

Arijit Singh’s Musical Performance

Arijit Singh, one of India’s most prominent singers, will captivate the audience. His live performances and chart-topping hits make him the evening’s star attraction. His selection of popular Bollywood tracks and independent music has won hearts across the country.

Other Celebrity Appearances and Special Acts

The opening ceremony brings sports and entertainment together in a spectacular fusion that sets the tone for IPL 2025. The event highlights include:

• Striking light productions that turn Eden Gardens into a visual spectacle
• Cultural performances that showcase India’s heritage
• Team introductions with unique choreographed segments

The carefully chosen performers ensure an engaging mix of entertainment. Varun and Shraddha’s high-energy dance routines are specially created for this grand occasion. Arijit’s soulful renditions add a musical dimension that strikes a chord with cricket fans of all ages.

The organizers have balanced glamor and sport perfectly. Each act flows naturally into the next, giving spectators an uninterrupted experience from entertainment to cricket.

How to Watch the IPL Opening Ceremony Live

Star Sports Network brings the IPL 2025 opening ceremony right to your TV screens. The broadcast begins at 6:00 PM IST. Cricket fans nationwide can enjoy front-row access to this spectacular event.

TV Channels Broadcasting the Event

Star Sports Network owns exclusive rights to televise the IPL 2025 opening ceremony in India. The network’s multiple channels provide coverage in regional languages of all types. This brings Eden Gardens’ grandeur into millions of homes.

Official Streaming Platforms for Online Viewing

JioHotstar is the official digital platform that streams the IPL 2025 opening ceremony. The platform made a major change this year by ending its free streaming service. Viewers must buy a subscription that starts at ₹299 to watch the ceremony and matches. The subscription plan comes with a 50-day trial of Reliance Jio’s broadband internet services.

Ticket Information for In-Person Attendance

Fans who want to attend the ceremony in person have several booking options:

• Online Platforms: BookMyShow and Paytm are authorized ticketing partners
• Stadium Box Office: Eden Gardens’ ticket counters open days before the event
• Authorized Retail Outlets: Official ticket vendors throughout the city

Ticket prices change based on seating priorities:

• General seats: ₹800 to ₹1,500
• Premium category: ₹2,000 to ₹5,000
• VIP/Executive boxes: ₹6,000 to ₹20,000

Buying tickets early ensures a smooth experience, especially for this opening match between KKR and RCB. You must carry valid identification documents to buy tickets at physical locations. Your match ticket gives you access to both the opening ceremony and the game.

What to Expect: Special Features of IPL 2025 Ceremony

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony at Eden Gardens brings together technology, tradition, and entertainment in a spectacular way. Modern production elements create an unforgettable experience for everyone watching at the stadium and on television.

Light Shows and Visual Productions

Synchronized fireworks light up the Kolkata skyline in a breathtaking display. Innovative technology boosts the visual experience thanks to significant investment from organizers. The grand productions feature:

• Advanced sound and lighting systems
• Custom-designed stage arrangements
• High-definition LED displays throughout the stadium

Team Introductions and Trophy Showcase

Distinguished representatives from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other dignitaries take the stage after the entertainment segment ends. The revealing of the coveted IPL trophy marks the official start of this two-month cricket extravaganza.

Cultural Performances Representing India

The ceremony celebrates India’s rich cultural heritage beyond star performances. Various elements showcase the nation’s artistic traditions and combine naturally with one another. Audiences experience a perfect blend of contemporary entertainment and traditional artistry during the 25-minute performance slot.

Each segment flows smoothly into the next thanks to meticulous planning by the production team. This careful orchestration builds anticipation for the season’s first match without interruption. The ceremony captures cricket’s popularity in India while delivering excellent production quality.

Strategic camera placements and sound systems help convey the electric atmosphere to audiences worldwide. Both stadium spectators and television viewers get an exceptional experience. Every moment of the celebration reaches viewers with crystal-clear clarity, whatever their location.

Conclusion

Eden Gardens is set to host an incredible evening of entertainment and cricket on March 22, 2025. Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, and Arijit Singh will dazzle audiences with their performances. The stadium’s cutting-edge production setup will create a mesmerizing experience for everyone present.

Fans can soak in the electric atmosphere at the stadium or catch all the action on Star Sports Network’s detailed coverage. A well-orchestrated 25-minute ceremony flows naturally into the season’s opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This sets up the perfect start to IPL 2025.

The grand opening kicks off two months of exciting cricket with 74 matches spread across 13 cities. Eden Gardens, known as the “Mecca of Indian Cricket,” will deliver an opening ceremony that lives up to the tournament’s 18th season.

Read more: IPL 2025: The Top 10 Most Expensive IPL Team Franchises

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