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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin on Saturday, March 22, with the opening game between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. Back in 2008, when IPL was launched both teams confronted each other in the inaugural game played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Prior to the opening contest, there are reports that BCCI has chalked out a plan to celebrate 18 glorious years of the league by hosting special opening ceremonies at all 13 venues of this season.
As per Sportstar on March 18, the celebration will start with a grand opening ceremony featuring Bollywood superstars such as Disha Patani and Shreya Ghosal registering their presence at the iconic Eden Gardens on March 22. Besides both artists, ICC Chairman Jay Shah will also be seen in Kolkata. Following the Eden Gardens, other 12 venues will also be hosting the opening ceremonies which will feature eminent artists.
"The idea is to have a varied pool of Bollywood artists performing for all the programmes, and with limited time in between the innings, two to three artists could be accommodated for these events," a source from BCCI revealed.
Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Delhi Capitals (DC) have two home venues each, while other seven teams will be hosting matches at their one home grounds respectively only.
RCB will look to turns the tables against defending champions KKR in the opening match
RCB will be expected to play quality cricket against defending champions KKR in the opening contest to be held at the iconic Eden Gardens. Back in 2022, Bengaluru tasted success against the three-time IPL champions. In the last four games, the Knight Riders have looked dominant against the Challengers.
Captain Rajat Patidar will look to deliver the trophy to RCB and do something which prominent names such as Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble, Daniel Vettori, Virat Kohli, and Faf du Plessis couldn’t do as captains.
