Kolkata: Heavy rain today came in the way of what was to be a glitzy opening ceremony of Indian Premier League's eighth edition, leaving fans at the decked-up Salt Lake stadium disappointed, with prayers on their lips.
The Nor'wester, known as Kal Baishaki in this part of the world, has been threatening to mar the organisers' plan of holding a grand opening ceremony, featuring Bollywood superstars such as Hrithik Roshan, Saif Ali Khan, Anushka Sharma, Farhan Akhtar and Shahid Kapoor.
There was no good news from the venue as rain continued unabated, but the spectators kept glued to their seats hoping for the downpour to subside.
Umbrellas were out in large numbers across stands and electronic equipments were being quickly covered with rain getting heavier by the minute.
A glitzy 'Opening Nite' celebration had been planned at the Salt Lake Stadium.
Entertainers were scheduled to come together on one stage to mark the start of the eighth season with the evening's proceedings being hosted by Saif Ali Khan.
Matching the energy, verve and spirit of the competition, there was suppose to be a dazzling line-up of Bollywood stars.
Earlier, all roads led to the Salt Lake stadium with excited fans queueing up to get closer to the action.
