Kolkata, April 7 (IANS) As forecast by the Met office, heavy rains lashed Kolkata on Tuesday evening, throwing into uncertainty the Indian Premier League (IPL) gala inaugural ceremony featuring Bollywood heart-throbs Hrithik Roshan, Anushka Sharma and Shahid Kapoor.

The ceremony stage at the Salt Lake stadium had to be covered with water-proof sheets following the heavy downpour, triggering disappointment among hundreds of youngsters who had gathered at the venue to catch a glimpse of their favourite cine and cricket stars.

Among the attractions of the event is a light and laser show, but the inclement weather might play spoilsport.

All eight IPL team captains will be present at the function to take the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Spirit of Cricket pledge.

Gautam Gambhir, captain of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders, will put the trophy back in play, signalling the start of the 2015 season.