New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to kick off its 18th edition with a bang, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to host opening ceremonies across all 13 venues for the first time. This move marks a significant departure from previous years, where the opening ceremony was typically confined to a single venue. The inaugural ceremony will feature prominent Bollywood stars and musicians, starting with Kolkata’s Eden Gardens on March 22. This year’s IPL celebrations aim to bring the excitement of the opening ceremony to fans at every venue, ensuring a more inclusive and vibrant experience.
The IPL 2025 season begins on March 22 with a highly anticipated match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This match holds special significance as it brings together two teams that played in the first-ever IPL match back in 2008. To celebrate 18 years of the IPL, the BCCI is hosting opening ceremonies at all 13 venues, a move designed to spread the festive fervor across the country.
Singer Shreya Ghosal and actress Disha Patani are confirmed performers for the Kolkata ceremony, with ICC Chairman Jay Shah in attendance. The BCCI is finalizing performances for the other 12 venues, aiming to include a mix of national and local artists. This approach ensures that each venue offers a unique cultural experience, reflecting the diversity and richness of Indian talent.
However, hosting ceremonies at such a scale poses logistical challenges. The BCCI and state associations are working together to address these issues, ensuring that the ceremonies are conducted smoothly without disrupting the matches. IPL 2025 matches will be held in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, New Chandigarh, Dharamsala, Guwahati, and Visakhapatnam from March 22 to May 25.
