The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is gearing up for an explosive start, with Bollywood heavyweights Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Salman Khan set to grace the opening ceremony, according to a report by Hindustan Times. Scheduled for March 22, 2025, at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, the 18th season of the IPL promises a dazzling kickoff that blends cricket, glamour, and entertainment. Adding to the excitement, Salman Khan will use this mega platform to promote his upcoming action-packed film Sikandar. Here’s everything you need to know about this star-studded spectacle.
IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony: Date, Time, and Venue Details
Mark your calendars for March 22, 2025, as the IPL 2025 opening ceremony kicks off at 6:00 PM IST at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The event will precede the season’s first match, pitting defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). With the toss following shortly after, the ceremony sets the stage for a thrilling season spanning 74 matches across 13 venues in India, concluding on May 25, 2025. Fans can catch the live broadcast on Jio Hotstar and Star Sports Network, ensuring global access to the extravaganza.
Bollywood’s Biggest Stars Steal the Show
The IPL 2025 opening ceremony is poised to be a blockbuster affair with Shah Rukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Salman Khan headlining the event. Shah Rukh Khan, the ever-charismatic co-owner of KKR, will be in attendance to support his team as they take on RCB in the opener. SRK’s presence is sure to electrify the crowd and boost KKR’s spirits, making it a highlight for fans of both cricket and Bollywood.
Priyanka Chopra, a global icon with an unmatched fanbase, brings an international edge to the ceremony. While it’s unclear whether she’ll perform or appear as a special guest, her participation amplifies the IPL’s growing stature on the world stage. Meanwhile, Salman Khan is set to make waves by promoting his much-awaited film Sikandar, capitalizing on the IPL’s massive viewership to generate buzz for the action thriller.
The star power doesn’t end there. Reports hint at appearances by Vicky Kaushal and Sanjay Dutt, adding more Bollywood heft to the lineup. On the performance front, Arijit Singh, Shraddha Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan are expected to deliver show-stopping acts, while a potential appearance by American band OneRepublic could bring a unique East-meets-West flavor to the night.
Why IPL 2025’s Opening Ceremony is a Must-Watch
This year’s IPL opening ceremony isn’t just about cricket—it’s a celebration of entertainment and culture. With Eden Gardens as the backdrop, the event promises a visual and auditory treat, blending Bollywood glitz with the thrill of T20 cricket. Shah Rukh Khan’s connection to KKR, Priyanka Chopra’s global appeal, and Salman Khan’s promotional push for Sikandar make it a triple threat that’s already generating massive online buzz.
As the IPL continues to evolve into a global phenomenon, the 2025 season opener is shaping up to be one for the history books. Whether you’re a cricket enthusiast or a Bollywood fan, this is one event you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for more updates as the countdown to March 22, 2025, begins!