IPL 2025: Efforts on to keep KKR vs LSG match in Kolkata as BCCI explores ‘rescheduling’ option

IPL 2025: Efforts on to keep KKR vs LSG match in Kolkata as BCCI explores ‘rescheduling’ option

Even as uncertainty looms over the April 6 Indian Premier League (IPL) fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, scheduled to be held at the Eden Gardens, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking at options to reschedule the fixture.

“The first preference will be to host the game in Kolkata, possibly at a different date, making sure that the schedule of the tournament is not hampered, since it also involves a lot of logistical challenges,” Arun Dhumal, the chairman of the IPL Governing Council, told  Sportstar.

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A couple of days ago, the Kolkata Police and the local authorities informed the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) that they won’t be in a position to provide adequate security for the fixture due to Ram Navami festivities, coinciding on the same day.

Sources in the CAB and BCCI also suggested that with a date change looking difficult, the game would be shifted to Guwahati, which will host two home games of Rajasthan Royals on March 26 and 30.

However, Dhumal clarified that a formal decision has not been made yet. “We are looking at all the options. Only if we cannot accommodate a date change, then we might consider shifting the game to a different venue. But keeping the fans’ interest and the packed schedule in mind, the preference would be to host the game in Kolkata. But in case things don’t work out, we might have to shift the game to a different venue,” Dhumal said, adding that a decision will be made within the next few days.

After Kolkata Police made it clear that it won’t be in a position to provide adequate security on April 6, the CAB wrote to the BCCI, requesting it to reschedule the game. While the State association awaits a formal communication from the Board, it has already initiated discussions with the police and the concerned authorities regarding an alternative.

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“The CAB is in regular conversation with the BCCI and the authorities and efforts are being taken to ensure that the game is held in Kolkata,” a source said.

During a routine inspection to the Eden Gardens on Friday evening, Kolkata’s Commissioner of Police, Manoj Kumar Verma, told the local media that they will be ready to provide maximum security if the fixture is held on a revised date.

Last year, too, a similar situation arose when KKR’s match coincided with Ram Navami, leading to a rescheduling.

While KKR will play CSK in Chennai on April 11, LSG will host Gujarat Titans on April 12.

Published on Mar 22, 2025