The countdown has begun for cricket’s grandest festival as Eden Gardens prepares to host a dazzling celebration.
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony promises to transform Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens into a mesmerizing wonderland on March 22, 2025. As cricket fans worldwide mark their calendars, this 90-minute extravaganza is set to feature Bollywood’s biggest stars, musical performances, and cutting-edge technology that will kick off the tournament in spectacular fashion.
From Shah Rukh Khan’s charismatic hosting to a breathtaking drone show, this article reveals everything you need to know about the most anticipated cricket celebration of the year.
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IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: A Night to Remember
The IPL opening ceremony has always been a cultural phenomenon that sets the tone for the tournament. This year, organizers have pulled out all stops to create an unforgettable experience that celebrates both cricket and entertainment.
Eden Gardens, with its capacity of over 66,000, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this cricket carnival beginning at 6:00 PM sharp. The ceremony will feature a carefully choreographed sequence of performances designed to build excitement before the tournament’s first match.
“We wanted to create something truly special for the fans this year,” said a BCCI official involved in planning the event. “The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will showcase the perfect blend of cricket, culture, and entertainment that makes this tournament so unique.”
Behold! The King of Bollywood has arrived! 👑
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2025
The one and only Pathaan—Shah Rukh Khan—is here to set the #TATAIPL 18 Opening Ceremony stage on fire and conquer hearts with his unstoppable charisma! 🔥✨
18 glorious years of IPL deserves a celebration fit for a king—brace… pic.twitter.com/FHzUVERZkt
Star-Studded Lineup: Who’s Performing?
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony boasts an impressive array of talent that will keep viewers glued to their screens:
Shah Rukh Khan: The Perfect Host
The King of Bollywood will kick off the evening with his trademark charm and wit. Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL ceremony appearance isn’t just about star power—as a team owner himself, he brings genuine passion for the game. His opening monologue at 6:00 PM will set the stage for the evening’s festivities, and he’ll return later to moderate a special conversation with cricket legends.
Musical Magic with Shreya Ghoshal
From 6:13 PM to 6:29 PM, the melodious voice of Shreya Ghoshal will fill Eden Gardens. The acclaimed singer is expected to perform a medley of her biggest hits along with a special cricket-themed composition created exclusively for the IPL 2025 opening ceremony.
Disha Patani’s Electrifying Dance
Between 6:30 PM and 6:45 PM, Disha Patani will take center stage with a high-energy dance performance. Known for her incredible dance moves, Patani’s routine is rumored to incorporate elements from different Indian dance forms, celebrating the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Karan Aujla Brings the Beats
From 6:46 PM to 7:00 PM, popular Punjabi singer Karan Aujla will energize the crowd with his chart-topping hits. His performance is expected to get everyone on their feet with a mix of bhangra and contemporary music that perfectly captures the festive spirit of IPL.
IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Minute-by-Minute Schedule: Don’t Miss a Beat
The IPL 2025 schedule kicks off with this meticulously planned opening ceremony. Here’s the complete timeline so you won’t miss a moment of the action:
| Time | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00 PM | Shah Rukh Khan’s Opening Monologue | The Bollywood superstar welcomes fans to IPL 2025 |
| 6:13 PM – 6:29 PM | Shreya Ghoshal’s Musical Performance | A special medley including a cricket anthem |
| 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM | Disha Patani’s Dance Performance | High-energy choreography celebrating Indian culture |
| 6:46 PM – 7:00 PM | Karan Aujla’s Performance | Punjabi hits and special IPL-themed tracks |
| 7:01 PM – 7:15 PM | Cricket Conversations | SRK moderates chat with legendary cricketers |
| 7:16 PM – 7:25 PM | Official Ceremony | BCCI officials and celebrities on stage |
| 7:26 PM – 7:30 PM | Cake Cutting Ceremony | Celebrating IPL’s journey |
| 7:31 PM – 7:35 PM | Drone Show | Spectacular aerial display over Eden Gardens |
| 7:36 PM – 7:40 PM | Trophy Presentation | Photo session with officials and team captains |
The IPL 2025 drone show is particularly anticipated, with hundreds of synchronized drones set to create magical formations in the night sky above Eden Gardens. Sources close to the event planning committee reveal that the drone show will depict iconic moments from IPL history and showcase all ten team logos in a never-before-seen aerial display.
How to Watch IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Live Streaming and TV Broadcast Details
Cricket enthusiasts worldwide can catch all the action of the IPL 2025 opening ceremony through multiple platforms:
Television Broadcast
The ceremony will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network channels in multiple languages, including:
- Star Sports 1 (English)
- Star Sports Hindi
- Star Sports Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali
Digital Streaming
For those preferring to watch online, the IPL 2025 live streaming will be available on:
- Disney+ Hotstar (subscription required)
- JioCinema (free streaming)
Both platforms will offer multi-angle views and special behind-the-scenes content not available on television broadcasts.
The Evolution of IPL Opening Ceremony Celebrations
The IPL opening ceremony has evolved significantly since the tournament’s inception. The first ceremony in 2008 was a relatively modest affair compared to today’s extravaganzas. Over the years, international stars like Katy Perry, Pitbull, and Major Lazer have graced the stage, turning it into a global entertainment spectacle.
After a hiatus during the pandemic years, the IPL opening ceremony returned in 2023 with performances from Arijit Singh, Tamannaah Bhatia, and Rashmika Mandanna. The IPL opening ceremony 2023 set new viewership records with over 20 million concurrent viewers.
The 2024 ceremony featured AR Rahman, Kartik Aaryan, and Kriti Sanon, continuing the tradition of blending cricket with entertainment. The IPL 2025 opening ceremony aims to surpass all previous events in scale and spectacle.
What Happens After the Opening Ceremony?
The excitement doesn’t end with the closing of the ceremony. The IPL 2025 schedule continues immediately with the tournament’s opening match between the defending champions and runners-up. This year’s format includes:
- 10 teams competing in a round-robin format
- 74 matches over 52 days
- Playoffs featuring the top four teams
- The grand finale scheduled for May 13, 2025
The complete IPL 2025 schedule will be officially announced during the opening ceremony, giving fans the opportunity to plan their cricket-watching calendar for the coming weeks.
Whether you’re watching from the stands at Eden Gardens or from the comfort of your home, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony is set to deliver an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit of cricket and entertainment that makes IPL the world’s most popular cricket league.
Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2025 as we bring you comprehensive coverage of the tournament.
Read more: IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB – Preview, Prediction, Starting XI and Where To Watch The Match LIVE
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About IPL 2025 Kickoff
When and where is the IPL 2025 opening ceremony?
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony will take place on March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The event will begin at 6:00 PM IST and last approximately 90 minutes.
Who are the main performers at the IPL 2025 opening ceremony?
The main performers include Shah Rukh Khan as host, singer Shreya Ghoshal, dancer Disha Patani, and Punjabi artist Karan Aujla. There will also be appearances by cricket legends and BCCI officials.
How long will the IPL 2025 opening ceremony last?
The ceremony is scheduled to last 90 minutes, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM IST, followed by the tournament’s opening match.
Can I watch the IPL 2025 opening ceremony online?
Yes, the ceremony will be available for online streaming on Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Disney+ Hotstar requires a subscription, while JioCinema will offer free streaming.
Are tickets available for the IPL 2025 opening ceremony?
Yes, tickets for the IPL 2025 opening ceremony are available through the official IPL website and authorized ticketing partners. Prices range from ₹1,000 to ₹20,000 depending on seating location.
Will all team captains be present at the opening ceremony?
Yes, all ten IPL team captains will be present for the ceremony and will participate in the photo session with the trophy scheduled for 7:36 PM.
What special elements will feature in this year’s ceremony?
This year’s ceremony will include a spectacular drone show, a cake-cutting ceremony celebrating IPL’s journey, and a special conversation between Shah Rukh Khan and cricket legends.
