KKR vs RCB, IPL 2025: Orange Alert in Kolkata as IPL opener in Jeopardy - How Long can Match continue if it Rains?

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Kolkata is bracing for a stormy start to the IPL 2025 season as an Orange Alert has been issued by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) ahead of the high-voltage opening match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on Saturday.

With rain disrupting the teams' final practice sessions, concerns mount over potential interruptions to the much-anticipated clash.

Rain Cuts Short Preparations for KKR and RCB

Both teams hit the ground for their final training sessions on Friday evening, but a sudden downpour forced an early end to proceedings. Scheduled to begin at 5 PM, the practice session lasted barely an hour before steady drizzle turned into a downpour around 6 PM, bringing the ground staff into action. Fortunately, Eden Gardens is equipped with full ground covers, ensuring the pitch and key playing areas remained protected.

Orange Alert for Kolkata

The New Alipore office of the IMD has issued an Orange Alert for Friday and Saturday, warning of possible thundersqualls, gusty winds, lightning, hailstorms, and moderate rainfall across Kolkata and several other districts.

Saturday's forecast includes thunderstorms and gusty winds in Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, and North and South 24 Parganas, with Kolkata likely to experience moderate rainfall during the evening.

IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony in Jeopardy?

The IPL 2025 opening ceremony, set to kick off at 6 PM, promises a star-studded spectacle with performances by Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. However, with the unpredictable weather, it remains uncertain whether the pre-match celebrations will go ahead as planned.

The opening match of the IPL has never been disturbed over the years, but the impending weather forecast has become a serious cause for concern. With KKR set to lock horns against RCB, the Eden Gardens is expected to be a full house at the IPL 2025 opener.

KKR vs RCB - How Long can Match be Played if Rain comes at Eden Gardens?

The KKR vs RCB clash is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM, with the toss set for 7 PM. Under IPL regulations, league-stage matches have a one-hour extension window, meaning the latest a five-over-per-side contest can begin is 10:56 PM, with play needing to conclude by 12:06 AM.