IPL 2025: Shah Rukh Khan headlines star-studded opening ceremony
IPL 2025: Shah Rukh Khan headlines star-studded opening ceremony
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) opened with a spectacular show of light and sound at the Eden Gardens here on Saturday.
As morning rains made way for a pleasant evening, thousands of fans thronged the Eden well before the actual start of the opening match.
The appearance of superstar Shah Rukh Khan in smart black attire wowed the spectators. The fans were absolutely thrilled as the Kolkata Knight Riders’ co-owner waved at them and addressed them, terming the IPL “the greatest cricketing event in the world.”
Popular Bollywood and Punjabi numbers sung by singers Shreya Ghoshal and Karan Aujla and dance performances by actress Disha Patani entertained the fans.
Amalgamation of lights and fireworks captivated the house before the league kicked off with the contest between defending champion Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers’ Bengaluru.
Shah Rukh delighted the audience when he invited Virat Kohli and Rinku Singh of RCB and KKR respectively on stage and engaged them in a lively conversation before shaking a leg with both.
Kohli, who has played in all the 18 editions of the IPL, was felicitated with a memento.
Display of the IPL trophy followed by the cutting of a specially designed cake, to celebrate the 18th edition of the league, in the presence of KKR and RCB captains, Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar, and top BCCI officials completed the glamorous precursor.
