The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 match between the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 6 (Sunday) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is likely to be rescheduled due to security concerns as the match date coincides with the Ram Navami festivities. PTI reported that Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, after two rounds of discussions with city police on March 18, confirmed that the authorities have not granted clearance for the match and the update has been communicated to BCCI officials.
Notably, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikary mentioned that over 20,000 processions are planned across the state, which is believed to be a key reason behind the denial, given the crowd capacity of around 65,000 at the venue.
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Police Deny Security Clearance For KKR vs LSG IPL 2025 Match
The CAB president also said that a similar issue led to a rescheduling in the IPL 2024 edition as well. He said city police have denied security clearance for the IPL 2025 KKR vs LSG match due to Ram Navami, making it difficult to manage a 65,000-strong crowd. He added that BCCI has been informed and a final decision is pending.
“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. We have informed the BCCI, and there is still time to take a final call. Even last year, a scheduled IPL match on Ram Navami had to be rescheduled,” Snehasish Ganguly said as quoted by PTI.
Ganguly also mentioned high ticket demand and Eden Gardens hosting an opening ceremony after a long time.
“It’s a marquee match with full demand for tickets. Eden Gardens is set to host an opening ceremony after a long time,” Snehasish said.
The 2025 IPL season is set to kick off at Eden Gardens on March 22, with KKR facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). A grand 35-minute opening ceremony will precede the match, featuring performances by renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani.
