Kolkata: The much-anticipated opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 took place at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens, bringing together a blend of Bollywood glamour and musical talent.Β 

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan set the tone for the IPL 2025 opening ceremony with an engaging and energetic speech.Β "As today the IPL turns 18, it comes away not as a league but as a movement, a celebration of sports, a festival of passion, a battleground where heroes are made. We are in the city of joy, Kolkata," he said, evoking a loud cheer from the audience.

Following Shah Rukh's speech, singer Shreya Ghoshal took the stage, captivating the audience with her soulful voice. One of the highlights of her performance was the iconic song "Rang De Basanti" from the film Rang De Basanti.Β 

Adding to the excitement, Bollywood actress Disha Patani dazzled the audience with her energetic dance moves.Β 

Punjabi singer Karan Aujla then took over the stage with a power-packed performance. His rendition of "Tauba Tauba" from the movie Bad Newz had the crowd grooving.Β 

Ahead of the tournament's commencement on Saturday, the IPL revealed a star-studded commentary panel that includes celebrated cricket icons like AB de Villiers, Kane Williamson, Shane Watson, and Virender Sehwag. These former players, renowned for their on-field prowess, are set to share their insights and experiences, adding depth to the tournament's coverage.

In a never-seen-before avatar, one of the world's most accomplished batters and most loved global figures, Kane Williamson, will make his debut as a commentator and expert in the IPL. The first New Zealand player to win the orange cap and two-time IPL champion played with Gujarat Titans until last season.Β 

The addition of IPL champion Shane Watson, former Mumbai Indians head coach Mark Boucher and his compatriot and Royal Challengers Bengaluru icon AB DeVilliers, former Punjab Kings mentor Virender Sehwag, former Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan, former Chennai Super Kings star Suresh Raina, will further deepen JioStar's key proposition of providing fans inside access from key members who until recently shared the dressing room with top franchisees.Β 

(with inputs from agencies)