Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is all set to host the IPL 2025 opener between the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22. The IPL 2025 will kick off with the 35-minute grand opening ceremony, featuring mesmerizing performances by renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal and Bollywood star Disha Patani.
However, there are some security concerns over Kolkata Knight Riders’ next home match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Eden Gardens on April 6. The KKR vs LSG IPL 2025 clash collides with the Ram Navami celebrations, and the Kolkata Police refused to provide adequate security.
KKR vs LSG clash in doubt as Kolkata Police decline security clearance
The much-anticipated Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants match, scheduled for April 6 at Eden Gardens, is likely to be rescheduled due to security issues.
The Kolkata Police have reportedly denied clearance for the match, citing security challenges during the Ram Navami celebrations.
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The KKR vs LSG match coincides with Ram Navami celebrations, which will see large-scale processions across West Bengal, leading to increased security demands.
With over 20,000 processions planned, the Kolkata Police have stated that they will not be able to provide adequate security for the IPL 2025 match at Eden Gardens.
As the Kolkata Police denied promising safety at the stadium, the KKR vs LSG match is likely to be rescheduled due to security issues as the local authorities “have not given the go-ahead” for the upcoming IPL clash during the Ram Navami celebrations in the city.
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly confirmed that they had discussions with the police, but they made it clear that providing security for a 65,000-strong crowd would not be possible during the festivities.
Even the CAB has already informed the BCCI about the situation, and a final decision is expected to be made soon. This isn’t the first time an IPL match has had to be rescheduled in Kolkata due to Ram Navami, with a similar situation happening last year in the tournament.
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We have informed the BCCI about the situation: CAB
Snehasish Ganguly was quoted as saying by PTI, “They have categorically said they won’t be able to provide adequate security (for KKR vs LSG match). 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.”
It is being said that ICC chairman Jay Shah and other top officials are expected to attend the IPL 2025 opening ceremony at Eden Gardens. The CAB president is excited about the big match and mentioned that ticket demand has been very high.
However, Ganguly didn’t reveal much about the ceremony but said that preparations are in full swing to make it a special event. The upcoming season is expected to reach new heights in engagement, influencer collaborations, and regional content viewership.
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