Orange Alert In Kolkata: IPL 2025 Opening Match Between KKR And RCB Might Get Abandoned

The highly anticipated clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajat Patidar led- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Eden Gardens, set to inaugurate the IPL 2025 season, is under serious threat of abandonment due to adverse weather conditions. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Kolkata, warning of potential rainfall and thunderstorms on March 22, the opening day of the tournament.

This much-awaited season opener is expected to kick off with a grand opening ceremony featuring dazzling performances by renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal, rapper Karan Aujla, and Bollywood actress Disha Patani. Fans have been eagerly looking forward to the spectacle, but inclement weather might play spoilsport.

According to IMD, an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal is likely to cause "light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds" until Saturday. As a precaution, the Regional Meteorological Centre in Kolkata has issued an orange alert for multiple districts of West Bengal, including Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, and North and South 24 Parganas. Kolkata itself is expected to experience moderate to heavy showers, particularly in the evening.

In a statement, the regional weather forecasting agency said, "Thunderstorm activity over the districts of West Bengal from 20th to 22nd March 2025. Due to the presence of favourable wind patterns and strong moisture incursion from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels, Thunderstorms with lightning and strong gusty surface winds are very likely to occur in some districts of West Bengal during 20-22 March 2025."

Rain has already disrupted preparations for both teams leading up to the high-stakes encounter. Training sessions on Friday were cut short due to sudden showers, forcing players and coaching staff to retreat indoors. Originally scheduled for 5 PM, the practice session barely lasted an hour before persistent drizzle turned into a heavy downpour around 6 PM, prompting ground staff to spring into action.

Weather forecasts indicate a 74 per cent chance of rain in Kolkata on Saturday, with cloud cover expected to be as high as 97 per cent. The probability of rainfall increases further in the evening, reaching a concerning 90 per cent. With such high chances of rain, there is a looming uncertainty over whether enough overs will be bowled to ensure a result in the season opener.

Compounding the situation, another IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens has already been rescheduled. KKR's home fixture against Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 is being shifted to Guwahati due to security constraints. According to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, the Kolkata police have expressed their inability to provide adequate security for the match as it coincides with Ram Navami celebrations.

As fans eagerly await the season's first game, all eyes are now on the skies. Whether the rain will relent in time for the clash between KKR and RCB remains to be seen, but the threat of weather playing a significant role in IPL 2025's opening weekend is undeniable.