The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) match in IPL 2025, originally set for April 6 in Kolkata, has been moved to Guwahati. The decision was made after Kolkata Police informed the Cricket Association of Bengal that they couldn’t provide security due to Ram Navami celebrations on the same day.
Following this, the Bengal cricket board raised the concern with the BCCI, which later approved the venue change.
KKR vs LSG Match Likely Shifted to Guwahati
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were set to play against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in an IPL 2025 match on April 6 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. However, the match is now likely to be moved to Guwahati because the Kolkata Police have expressed their inability to provide security on that day.
The reason for this is that April 6 coincides with Ram Navami, a major Hindu festival, and large-scale celebrations are expected across the city.
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Snehasish Ganguly confirmed the development, stating that they had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the situation. The CAB had initially requested the BCCI to reschedule the match for a later date in Kolkata, but due to scheduling constraints, this was not possible. As a result, Guwahati has been chosen as the alternative venue.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari had earlier announced that over 20,000 processions would take place across West Bengal for Ram Navami, making it difficult for the police to manage security for both the festival and the IPL match at the same time.
The match between KKR and LSG was expected to be a high-profile event, attracting a huge crowd, as both teams have a strong fan base. However, due to the circumstances, the game will now likely take place in Guwahati instead.
While the decision has been made at the state level, the IPL governing body has not yet issued an official statement confirming the venue change. Fans are now waiting for an official announcement from the IPL authorities.
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IPL Schedule Disruptions in 2024
This is not the first time that IPL matches in Kolkata have been affected due to Ram Navami celebrations. In 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) home match against Rajasthan Royals was moved from April 17 to April 16 following a similar request from Kolkata Police. Additionally, two other matches had to be rescheduled to adjust for this change.
However, this year, the situation is different. KKR’s match in Kolkata, which falls on Ram Navami, was not rescheduled within the city. Instead, it is being moved entirely to Guwahati. This decision has helped avoid further disruptions to the IPL schedule and has eased logistical challenges for the tournament organizers.
Guwahati to Host Additional IPL 2025 Match
Guwahati was initially set to host two Rajasthan Royals matches on March 26 and 30. Interestingly, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were already scheduled to play their away game against Rajasthan in Guwahati on March 26.
With the recent venue change, Guwahati will now host an additional IPL 2025 match, bringing more cricket action to the city. In total, 13 venues will be used for the tournament, including the 10 home grounds of IPL teams and additional locations such as Guwahati, Dharamsala, and Visakhapatnam. These venues will collectively host all 74 matches of the season.
Despite the change in schedule, Kolkata Knight Riders will kick off their IPL 2025 title defense at Eden Gardens on Saturday against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, the season opener might face disruptions due to rain, though fans can still look forward to an exciting match, preceded by a grand opening ceremony.
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FAQs
Q.1. Why was the KKR vs. LSG match moved from Kolkata to Guwahati?
Ans. The match was relocated because Kolkata Police couldn’t provide security on April 6 due to Ram Navami celebrations in the city.
Q.2. Has the BCCI officially confirmed the venue change?
Ans. While the Cricket Association of Bengal has confirmed the move, an official announcement from the IPL governing body is still awaited.
Q.3. How many IPL 2025 matches will be played in Guwahati?
Ans. Initially, Guwahati was set to host two Rajasthan Royals matches, but with this change, it will now host an additional game.
Q.4. When will Kolkata Knight Riders play their first IPL 2025 match?
Ans. KKR will begin their title defense at Eden Gardens against Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, but rain may disrupt the game.
Q.5. Which venues will host IPL 2025 matches?
Ans. IPL 2025 will be played across 13 venues, including the 10 home grounds of IPL teams, as well as Guwahati, Dharamsala, and Visakhapatnam.
