IPL 2025 opening ceremony: Bollywood stars and global artists to set the stage on fire

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set for a grand opening with a star-studded ceremony blending Bollywood glamour and international music.

The event will take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on March 22, 2025, ahead of the tournament’s first match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The opening ceremony is expected to witness the presence of some of Bollywood’s biggest superstars. Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan are among the high-profile guests, with Shah Rukh likely attending to support his team, KKR, while Salman may make an appearance to promote his upcoming film "Sikandar."

A host of Bollywood celebrities, including Sanjay Dutt, Sara Ali Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Triptii Dimri, Ananya Panday, Janhvi Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Pooja Hegde, Urvashi Rautela, and Ayushmann Khurrana, are also expected to grace the event.

The entertainment lineup for the evening features Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, and Disha Patani, who will take the stage to electrify the crowd. Acclaimed playback singer Shreya Ghoshal, Punjabi rapper Karan Aujla, and music icon Arijit Singh will also deliver power-packed performances.

According to sources, global pop sensation OneRepublic - who recently collaborated with Karan Aujla and Disha Patani on the track Tell Me - has also been approached for a special performance at the opening ceremony.

Following the glitzy opening ceremony, the first match of IPL 2025 will begin at 8 PM, featuring Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). With Ajinkya Rahane leading KKR this season, the team will be looking for a strong start to their title defense.