“Kolkata Police deny security clearance for April 6 match amid Ram Navami celebrations, BCCI yet to announce new date.”
March 19, 2025 | Kolkata
Kolkata Knight Riders’ much-anticipated IPL 2025 home match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on April 6 is likely to be rescheduled due to security concerns arising from Ram Navami celebrations, according to reports.
West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had earlier announced that over 20,000 processions would take place across the state on Ram Navami, prompting a heightened security alert. Kolkata Police informed the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) that they would not be able to provide adequate security for the high-profile encounter.
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CAB Confirms Security Constraints
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Following multiple discussions with the city police, CAB President Snehasish Ganguly confirmed that authorities have not given security clearance for the match.
“They have categorically said they won’t be able to provide adequate security. If there’s no police protection, accommodating a 65,000-strong crowd becomes impossible,” said Ganguly.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been informed, and an official announcement on rescheduling is expected soon.
Security Issues During IPL on Ram Navami
This is not the first time that an IPL match has faced scheduling challenges due to Ram Navami celebrations. Last year, a fixture between KKR and Rajasthan Royals was rescheduled for similar reasons.
Also Read: Pakistan’s Haris Rauf Fumes After New Zealand Loss: ‘People Just Wait for Us to Lose’
IPL 2025 Opening Ceremony at Eden Gardens
Meanwhile, IPL 2025 is set to kick off in Kolkata on March 22, with defending champions KKR facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
The opening ceremony is expected to be a glamorous affair, featuring performances by singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani. ICC chairman Jay Shah and other dignitaries are also likely to attend.
“It’s a marquee match with full demand for tickets. Eden Gardens is set to host an opening ceremony after a long time,” said Snehasish Ganguly.
A final decision on the KKR vs LSG match rescheduling is expected soon, with BCCI exploring alternative dates to accommodate the fixture.
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