IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony: Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawan, Prabhu Deva and Jacqueline Fernandez captivate Wankhede crowd

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) 2018 OPENING CEREMONY: The IPL 2018 marked its commencement with a star-studded Opening Ceremony at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, on Saturday. The glamour-filled T20 league entered its 11th edition with Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians (MI) hosting Chennai Super Kings (CSK), who under the captaincy of MS Dhoni are making a comeback to the IPL after a two-year suspension due to spot-fixing scandal. Ahead of the IPL 2018, the Wankhede Stadium hosted a glittery gala affair that was graced by Bollywood celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Tamannah Bhatia. The much-anticipated clash between two-time winners CSK and reigning champions Mumbai was watched by a capacity crowd at the Wankhede Stadium. The opening encounter looked set to raise the curtains on the decade-old T20 League in grand style after a formal ceremony. (IPL 2018 Live Cricket Streaming MI vs CSK)

FOLLOW ALL NEWS AND UPDATES OF IPL 2018 HERE

IPL 2018 OPENING CEREMONY UPDATES FROM WANKHEDE STADIUM, MUMBAI

19.05 IST: Amidst a cheerful crowd at Wankhede, the opening ceremony of the IPL 2018 concludes.

19.01 IST: Mika Singh sings the IPL 2018 anthem to lift the Wankhede spectators off their feet.

18.59 IST: Singer Mika Singh gets applause for the entertaining performance at Wankhede.

18.54 IST: Bollywood's Greek God Hrithik Roshan enters the arena for a stunning conclusion of the glittering gala.

18.48 IST: Bollywood actress Jacqueline Fernandez enthralls fans at Wankhede with a scintillating act.

18.44 IST: Singer Mika Singh entertains spectators with a flashing musical performance.

18.42 IST: "We've won all the three titles for this wonderful crowd here. Looking forward to starting this tournament on a good note," Rohit says amid celebrations.

18.38 IST: Baahubali actress Tamannaah Bhatia presents her scintillating performance in Vivo IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony.

18.37 IST: Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma walks out to a rousing reception at the Wankhede and keeps the trophy back into play!

18.34 IST: Baahubali actress Tamannaah Bhatia will be setting the stage on fire with her scintillating performance at Vivo IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony today. Ahead of her performance, she is trending on social media because of the reports which claim the actress has charged whopping amount of Rs 50 lakhs for a 10-minute performance at the gala event. (Read full story)

18.31 IST: The spectators at the Wankhede Stadium applaud Varun Dhawan and Prabhu Deva after stellar performances in the opening ceremony.

18.27 IST: Watch how Varun Dhawan graces the gala-affair.

18.25 IST: Choreographer Prabhu Deva takes center stage at Wankhede

18.23 IST: The Judwaa 2 actor dances to Bollywood chartbusters at the IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony.

18.20 IST: Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan sets the stage on fire in the opening act.

18.15 IST: IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony begins at Wankhede Stadium.

18.08 IST: IPL 2018 TV presenter Paloma Rao shares a picture of a painting, made by a fan of MS Dhoni and CSK, at Chepauk Stadium. "Opening Day of VIVO IPL 2018! A stunning tribute from a fan, to the return of CSK!"

18.03 IST: Prabu Deva explains what is common between him and CSK. Watch the Indian choreographer dance his heart out at the Opening Ceremony, 6:15 PM onwards on the Star Network.

17.58 IST: Indian dance choreographer Prabhu Deva will also be seen shaking a leg at the IPL 2018 Opening Ceremony.

17.55 IST: After three IPL titles in 2013, 2015 and 2017, Mumbai Indians' hunger for the shimmering trophy continues in the 11th edition.

17.50 IST: The stage is getting set for IPL season 11 opener.

17.45 IST: "I can see fans of both the teams coming in. They have created an exciting environment at Wankhede ahead of the opening ceremony," says Sunil Gavaskar from the venue.

17.35 IST: Mumbai all-rounder Krunal Pandya is excited to play the IPL 2018 opening match. "Three cheers to most awaited night. #gameon," he says on Twitter.

17.28 IST: The fans of CSK are set to cheer the Yellow Brigade in their opening match at Wankhede.

17.05 IST: Hrithik Roshan is known to set the dance floor on fire whenever he is around and by this post of his, it seems highly likely that the fans at the Wankhede Stadium can expect something spectacular from the Greek God!

17.00 IST: Tamannaah Bhatia is all geared up for the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League 2018. Are you?

16.55 IST: Hrithik Roshan, Jacqueline Fernandez and Tamannah Bhatia spotted during rehearsals at Wankhede Stadium on Friday.

16.50 IST: The star-studded ceremony, which is expected to be a 90-minute event, will begin on 5 pm IST. Due to a tight IPL 2018 schedule, all eight captains won't be present at the occasion but their pre-shoot visuals might make an appearance at the opening ceremony. (Read full story)