Kolkata's renowned Eden Gardens is gearing up for the highly anticipated opener of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, featuring the familiar rivalry between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, the excitement is clouded by ominous weather forecasts that threaten to dampen this festive cricket event, scheduled for Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 7:30 PM IST.
As the countdown to the match continues, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a grim warning. The weather has been unpredictable, with thunderstorms, gusty winds, and rain expected across South Bengal throughout the weekend. An orange alert has been specifically raised for Kolkata on match day, indicating that the weather could lead to significant disruptions.
The atmosphere around Eden Gardens echoes with both tension and anticipation as players from KKR and RCB were forced to abandon their practice sessions the day before due to rain. Both teams faced an abrupt halt when a steady drizzle began around 6 PM on Friday, March 21, causing ground staff to rush in to cover the field. Many fans are left anxiously pondering whether the same fate awaits their much-awaited opener.
On Saturday, the weather forecast predicts worsening conditions, with thunderstorms likely in the afternoon and evening. Between 1 PM and 3 PM, the rain could intensify to potentially dangerous levels, with strong winds reaching up to 40 km/h expected. This signals that not only could the match be impacted, but also the accompanying opening ceremony, which promises performances by popular artists such as Karan Aujla and Disha Patani.
According to the IMD’s detailed weather bulletin, the rainy conditions over the weekend are attributed to several meteorological factors at play, including a cyclonic circulation over Assam and trough lines affecting rainfall patterns throughout Bihar and Bengal. An additional Western Disturbance is complicating matters further, with conditions expected to begin improving by Monday, March 24.
It’s not all doom and gloom, however, as there is a slight glimmer of hope. Reports indicate a possibility of sunshine emerging later in the afternoon, specifically around 3 PM, which could allow the match to commence on schedule. As stated by AccuWeather, the rain probability is expected to decrease significantly in the evening, dropping from 90% earlier in the day.
The forecast for the rest of the IPL opening weekend looks just as erratic. On Sunday, March 23, a yellow alert will remain in effect, with scattered showers predicted across nearly all districts of South Bengal, suggesting that fans should prepare for delays and potential postponements.
Experts warn that should the match be called off, both KKR and RCB would share one point, which could have implications as the season progresses. Historically, rain interruptions during the IPL have sparked controversies and heated debates surrounding the league’s structure, particularly the rules dictating matches affected by weather.
The overall weather predictions indicate that the day temperatures are set to decline by a few degrees, potentially affecting player performance and spectator comfort. In North Bengal, locations like Malda and South Dinajpur are also bracing for hailstorms, which pose additional challenges.
As the excitement builds, the longer-term forecast after the weekend looks much more favorable, with conditions predicted to stabilize, allowing for clear skies and warmer temperatures as the week progresses.
Fans, players, and officials alike keep a vigilant eye on the evolving weather situation, hoping that the dark clouds do not cast a shadow over what is anticipated to be an electrifying start to the IPL season. Will the rain be heavy enough to wash away the hopes of thousands?
