Kolkata: There is a threat of rain looming over the first match of IPL 2025 in Kolkata. Rain disrupted the match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert. It warns of thunder, strong winds, lightning and hailstorm.
Teams could not practice
Due to rain, the practice of both the teams could not be completed. The match is to be played at Eden Gardens on Saturday. Kolkata received light rain on Friday evening. Due to this, the practice of both KKR and RCB teams ended before time. Practice started at 5 pm. But, it started raining around 6 pm. The ground staff immediately covered the ground. The players had to go back. The good thing is that there is a system to cover the entire ground in Eden Gardens. This kept the pitch safe.
Orange alert issued
The New Alipore Office of the Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for Friday and Saturday. It has warned of thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, hailstorm and moderate rain in many districts including Kolkata. The Meteorological Department said, 'There is a possibility of thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, hailstorm and light to moderate rain in Jhargram, Purba and West Medinipur, Bankura, Purulia, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah on Friday.'
Will rain not allow the match to happen?
The weather forecast for Saturday is that Nadia, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman and North and South 24 Parganas may witness strong winds, lightning and moderate rain with thunderstorms. The match will start at 7:30 pm. The toss will take place at 7 pm. A grand opening ceremony is planned at 6 pm with stars like Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani. But, it remains to be seen if the weather hampers it.
As per IPL rules, league-stage matches get an extra hour of overtime. This means the cut-off time for a five-over match is 10:56 pm. The game should be over by 12:06 am. Kolkata has also received rain before the first match of the season.
KKR's intra-squad practice match was called off after just one innings. The chances of the match taking place due to rain are low. If the rain does not stop, the match may also be called off. The spectators are eagerly waiting for the match. But, the weather department's warning has raised concerns.
