The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) opened with a spectacular show of light and sound at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday. The ceremony was conducted by ‘Badshah of Bollywood’ Shah Rukh Khan and featured Shreya Ghoshal, Disha Patani and Karan Aujla.
The iconic playback singer begins her performance with the massively popular ‘Mere Dholna’ from the 2007 flick Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
The ceremony also witnessed cricketers Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh shake a leg with Shah Rukh Khan, and the former receive a special memento from BCCI president Roger Binny. Rinku dances to ‘Lutt Putt Gaya’ while Kohli dances to ‘Jhoome Jo Pathan’. SRK, of course, accompanies both of them.
Soon after, Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar — the two captains — are brought out in style in a chariot along with the IPL trophy, followed by the national anthem, which then concludes the IPL 2025 opening ceremony. With that, it’s time for first toss of the 18th season to take place!
The appearance of superstar Shah Rukh Khan in smart black attire wowed the spectators. The fans were absolutely thrilled as the Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner waved at them and addressed them, terming the IPL “the greatest cricketing event in the world.”
The IPL 2025 season will see 74 matches. The final of the tournament will be played at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on May 25, 2025. The 74 games will be played across 13 venues and include 12 double-headers.
