The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has witnessed its first scheduling change, with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) home match against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) being relocated from Eden Gardens in Kolkata to Guwahati. This decision comes in light of the Ram Navami celebrations taking place in Kolkata on April 6, the original scheduled date for the match.
According to Snehasish Ganguly, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the Kolkata Police expressed their inability to provide adequate security for the match due to the festivities. With over 20,000 processions expected to take place across West Bengal, the authorities are facing a logistical nightmare in ensuring security for both the match and the celebrations.
As a result, the CAB requested the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to consider rescheduling the game. However, with no alternative date available in Kolkata, the match is now set to be shifted to Guwahati.
"We have informed the BCCI to reschedule the match, but there is no scope for rescheduling the game in the city later and I'm now hearing that it's going to be shifted to Guwahati," Ganguly told PTI.
This is not the first time an IPL match in Kolkata has faced rescheduling due to security concerns around the Ram Navami festival. In 2024, a similar situation arose when a KKR vs Rajasthan Royals match had to be rescheduled for the same reason.
IPL 2025 kicks off with a bang: Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to kick off on March 22nd, 2025, with a thrilling opening match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, West Bengal.
The stage is set for a cracking contest between two of the most popular teams in the IPL. The KKR, led by their captain Ajinkya Rahane, will look to start their campaign on a winning note in front of their passionate home crowd.
The RCB, on the other hand, will be eager to put behind their past disappointments and make a strong statement in the opening match. This year, Rajat Patidar would be leading the Royal Challengers Bengaluru side and fans are looking forward for the team's performance in the new season.
