RCB vs KKR: Storm brewing over IPL 2025 opening match as it may be abandoned. Here's why

Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending IPL champions, are all set to kick off their 2025 season with a highly anticipated match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday, March 22 - however, there’s a thundering concern.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for South Bengal, including Kolkata, forecasting thunderstorms and rain from Thursday to Sunday, with the weather worsening over the weekend.

The city and its surrounding regions are likely to be impacted by thunderstorms, squally winds, hailstorms, and lightning that might lead to the opening match being abandoned.


The forecast suggests a 74% chance of rain on the opening day, with cloud cover at 97% and a 90% chance of rain in the evening. This puts the match at Eden Gardens in jeopardy, with the possibility of delays or even abandonment looming.

In case the worst comes to pass and the match gets cancelled due to the dampening weather, points will be divided between KKR and RCB.

The opening ceremony will feature star performances by Disha Patani and Shreya Ghoshal, setting the stage for a thrilling season opener.

On top of this, Kolkata Knight Riders’ home match against Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 is being shifted to Guwahati due to security issues caused by Ram Navami celebrations in the city.

The local police have expressed their inability to secure the event, forcing the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to move the match to Guwahati.

"We have informed the BCCI to reschedule the match, but there is no scope for rescheduling the game in the city later and I'm now hearing that it's going to be shifted to Guwahati," Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Ganguly had told PTI.