The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), initially scheduled at Eden Gardens, is expected to be relocated to Guwahati.
The change comes amid security concerns due to Ram Navami celebrations in Kolkata, making it difficult for local authorities to ensure adequate police protection for the high-profile match.
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Why Is the Match Being Shifted?
Ram Navami, a significant Hindu festival, will be celebrated on April 6, coinciding with the scheduled KKR vs LSG fixture. The occasion typically involves grand processions across Kolkata, requiring extensive law enforcement deployment. Given the logistical challenges, the Kolkata Police informed the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) that they would be unable to provide sufficient security for the match.
“I had several rounds of talks with the Kolkata Police, and they said they won’t be able to provide enough security on that day,” CAB president Snehasish Ganguly confirmed.
This isn’t an isolated incident. In IPL 2024, the match between KKR and Rajasthan Royals had to be rescheduled due to similar security constraints on Ram Navami.
“If there’s no police protection, accommodating and managing a 65,000-strong crowd becomes impossible,” Snehasish stated on Tuesday, highlighting the necessity of shifting the venue.
Guwahati Likely to Host the Rescheduled Fixture
According to reports, Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium is the preferred alternative venue. The stadium is already set to host two home matches for Rajasthan Royals—against KKR on March 26 and against Chennai Super Kings on March 30. If confirmed, this relocation will add another high-profile IPL encounter to Guwahati’s growing cricketing portfolio.
“The IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants on April 6 will be moved out of Kolkata and is likely to be played in Guwahati,” stated a report by RevSportz. However, an official announcement from the IPL governing council is still awaited.
KKR’s Packed IPL 2025 Schedule
The relocation of the KKR vs LSG game means that the franchise will have a revised home campaign. Below is KKR’s full IPL 2025 schedule, including the expected change:
| Date | Day | Time | Home Team | Away Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 22 | Sat | 7:30 PM | KKR | RCB | Kolkata |
| March 26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | RR | KKR | Guwahati |
| March 31 | Mon | 7:30 PM | MI | KKR | Mumbai |
| April 3 | Thu | 7:30 PM | KKR | SRH | Kolkata |
| April 6 | Sun | 3:30 PM | KKR | LSG | Guwahati* |
| April 11 | Fri | 7:30 PM | CSK | KKR | Chennai |
| April 15 | Tue | 7:30 PM | PBKS | KKR | New Chandigarh |
| April 21 | Mon | 7:30 PM | KKR | GT | Kolkata |
| April 26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | KKR | PBKS | Kolkata |
| April 29 | Tue | 7:30 PM | DC | KKR | Delhi |
| May 4 | Sun | 3:30 PM | KKR | RR | Kolkata |
| May 7 | Wed | 7:30 PM | KKR | CSK | Kolkata |
| May 10 | Sat | 7:30 PM | SRH | KKR | Hyderabad |
| May 17 | Sat | 7:30 PM | RCB | KKR | Bengaluru |
(*most likely venue change)
While KKR enjoys one of the most passionate home fan bases in the IPL, shifting the match to Guwahati means their supporters at Eden Gardens will miss out on an electrifying contest. However, the Barsapara Stadium has proven to be an exciting venue, and local fans in the Northeast will welcome the opportunity to witness an additional IPL encounter.
As IPL 2025 unfolds, the official confirmation from the league’s management remains awaited. However, the shift appears imminent, continuing the trend of IPL fixtures being affected by high-security events in Kolkata.
FAQs
Why was the KKR vs LSG IPL 2025 match moved from Kolkata to Guwahati?
The match was shifted due to security concerns in Kolkata, as Ram Navami celebrations on April 6 require extensive police deployment, making it difficult to ensure crowd safety at Eden Gardens.
Has IPL rescheduled matches due to Ram Navami before?
Yes, in IPL 2024, a match between KKR and Rajasthan Royals was rescheduled due to similar security concerns during Ram Navami.
Where will the rescheduled KKR vs LSG match be played?
The match is likely to be held at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, which is already hosting two Rajasthan Royals home games this season.
Has the IPL officially confirmed the venue change?
No, an official announcement from the IPL governing council is still awaited, but reports suggest Guwahati is the preferred alternative.
How does the venue shift impact KKR’s IPL 2025 schedule?
KKR will now have one less match at Eden Gardens, with Guwahati expected to host their April 6 fixture against LSG. Fans in the Northeast will get an extra IPL game this season.
