What to expect from IPL 2025: From 13 opening ceremonies to One Republic

The stage is set, the lights are ready, and the countdown has begun as the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) gears up to begin with a grand spectacle on March 22, 2025. All eyes will be on Eden Gardens in Kolkata, which will host the much-anticipated opening ceremony ahead of the inaugural match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

According to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehashish Ganguly, the event will run for exactly 35 minutes, kicking off at 6 PM IST, an hour before the toss.

Reports also reveal that to celebrate the 18 years of IPL, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to host special opening ceremonies across all 13 venues this year.

The star-studded performer lineup adds a significant glamour quotient to the ceremony. Leading the musical front is Karan Aujla, the popular Punjabi singer, who is expected to perform some of his most loved chartbusters. Joining him is Shreya Ghoshal, one of India’s most celebrated playback singers and a proud daughter of West Bengal. Her presence is set to draw roaring applause from the home crowd.

The official account of IPL shared an update on Shreya's performance and wrote, "Brace yourself for a symphony of magic like never before as the soulful Shreya Ghoshal takes the stage at the #TATAIPL 18 Opening Ceremony! Celebrate 18 glorious years with a voice that has revolutionised melody@shreyaghoshal."

Bringing Bollywood flair to the night, Disha Patani will take the stage with a fiery dance performance, promising to set Eden Gardens alight with her energy and charisma. These performances are designed to capture the spirit of the IPL—an electric blend of sport, glamour, and entertainment.

For those not attending the event live, the Star Sports network and JioCinema will offer live TV coverage and streaming of both the opening ceremony and the match, ensuring fans across the globe can soak in every moment of the spectacle.

This year’s IPL opening ceremony follows in the footsteps of the 2024 edition, which was hosted at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. That event featured iconic performances by Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, AR Rahman, and Sonu Nigam, setting a high benchmark for entertainment.

As the cricketing world turns its attention to Kolkata, the IPL 2025 opening ceremony promises to deliver a dazzling mix of music, dance, and excitement—ushering in yet another thrilling season of cricketing action, fandom, and unforgettable moments. Whether in the stands or watching from home, fans are in for a night to remember.