Shah Rukh Khan’s Hosting at IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony Faces Criticism
Kolkata Knight Riders owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan took on the role of host at the IPL 2025 opening ceremony on Saturday. During the event, he shared the stage with Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli, affectionately calling him “bhai” multiple times.
However, his hosting did not sit well with Reddit users, who found it unimpressive and even “cringe-worthy,” with many believing he was unprepared for the role.
Mixed Reactions to Shah Rukh’s Hosting
A Reddit user posted a picture from the ceremony, questioning why SRK’s performance was difficult to watch. Others agreed, with one user comparing Kohli’s reaction to tolerating an overly enthusiastic relative at a wedding. Another user criticized SRK’s hosting style, saying his shows tend to revolve around his star power rather than balanced entertainment. Some even longed for professional hosts who could engage the audience with humor.
Another Redditor pointed out that Shah Rukh always takes center stage but avoids the spotlight when his team’s performance is poor. A few also noted that Kohli seemed eager to leave the stage quickly.
Lackluster Opening Ceremony
Beyond Shah Rukh Khan’s performance, several users felt that the entire opening ceremony lacked energy. They described the song and dance performances as uninspired, suggesting they were conducted merely out of obligation rather than enthusiasm.
Possible Reasons for the Underwhelming Event
Some speculated that the poor execution was due to limited rehearsals, as rain had been forecasted. Others believed that audiences have become desensitized to frequent cricket and Bollywood crossovers, making such events feel mechanical and unoriginal. One person pointed out that the ceremony’s script offered little flexibility, leaving SRK with minimal opportunities to interact freely. Despite this, they acknowledged his attempts to liven up the event by praising Kohli as the “King of 22 yards and a billion hearts.”
A Divided Perspective on Shah Rukh Khan
While some criticized SRK’s hosting as self-indulgent, a few still hoped he would prove them wrong. One fan expressed disappointment in how his public persona has evolved, saying they once admired him but now find his behavior off-putting.
Following the ceremony, IPL teams Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off in the opening match at Eden Gardens, where RCB secured a victory. A day prior, Shah Rukh had visited the KKR players to motivate them ahead of the tournament.