The IPL 2025 fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), scheduled for April 6 at Eden Gardens, is under review due to security concerns. The match coincides with Ram Navami, a significant Hindu festival, and Kolkata Police has expressed its inability to provide adequate security due to heightened requirements across West Bengal.
According to Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, the authorities have clearly stated that they cannot ensure sufficient security for the match. With over 65,000 spectators expected at Eden Gardens, organizing the match without proper security measures would be challenging. Ganguly confirmed that CAB has informed the BCCI, and a final decision is yet to be made.
This isn’t the first instance of an IPL match being rescheduled due to security concerns. In 2024, a KKR vs Rajasthan Royals match was also shifted for similar reasons on Ram Navami. Given the scale of security arrangements required for both cricket and festival processions, the authorities must ensure that public safety remains the top priority.
Meanwhile, Eden Gardens is still set to host the IPL 2025 season opener between KKR and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 23, featuring a grand 35-minute opening ceremony. Reports suggest performances by Shreya Ghoshal and Disha Patani, adding to the excitement for cricket fans.
KKR enters the season under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, following the departure of Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings in the mega auction. With a new leader and security-related schedule uncertainties, KKR faces both on-field and off-field challenges as they prepare for IPL 2025.
