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Defending champion KKR’s match against Rishabh Pant-led LSG on April 6 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is set to be rescheduled by the BCCI.
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan-owned Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the defending champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) heading into the 2025 season. Under new skipper Ajinkya Rahane, KKR will open their campaign in IPL 2025 against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday (March 22).
However, much to the cricket fans dismay in Kolkata, their home match against Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) is set to be rescheduled as Kolkata city police have withheld security clearance due to Ram Navami celebrations schedule on April 6.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari previously announced that over 20,000 processions would take place across West Bengal on Ram Navami, significantly increasing security demands across the state. Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Snehasish Ganguly, following two rounds of discussions with city police on Tuesday, confirmed that authorities have not approved security arrangements for the match.
“They have clearly stated that providing adequate security won’t be possible. Without police protection, managing a 65,000-strong crowd becomes unfeasible,” Snehasish, brother of former India captain and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, said.
“We have informed the BCCI, and there’s still time for a final decision. Even last year, an IPL match scheduled on Ram Navami had to be rescheduled,” he added.
The highly anticipated IPL 2025 clash between KKR and LSG, owned by RPSG Group chairman Sanjiv Goenka, was expected to attract a packed stadium, given both teams’ strong local fan base. Last season, a fixture between KKR and Rajasthan Royals was also rescheduled due to security concerns on Ram Navami.
Disha Patani, Shreya Ghoshal to perform at IPL 2025 opening ceremony
The 2025 IPL season will kick off at Eden Gardens on March 22, with defending champions KKR facing RCB featuring former India captain Virat Kohli. A grand 35-minute opening ceremony will precede the match, featuring potential performances by singer Shreya Ghoshal and actress Disha Patani. ICC chairman Jay Shah and other dignitaries are also expected to attend.
“It’s a marquee match with high ticket demand. Eden Gardens is hosting an opening ceremony after a long time,” Snehasish said, while refraining from revealing further details about the event.
KKR have a few new additions in their squad for the IPL 2025 season with Rahane replacing his Mumbai teammate Shreyas Iyer while former South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock will replace Phil Salt, who has joined RCB.
Last season’s most-expensive player Mitchell Starc will be replaced by Spenser Johnson who will be joined by IPL’s fastest bowler in Anrich Nortje of South Africa.
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