The match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will now be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Kolkata Police denied permission to host the match due to the Ram Navami festivities, prompting the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to inform KKR and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about the potential change of venue.
Initially, the defending champions, KKR, requested a change of date, but BCCI officials rejected the idea. Eventually, it was agreed that the match would take place on April 6 in Guwahati. Interestingly, Rajasthan Royals will also play two of their home games – against Chennai Super Kings and KKR – in Guwahati this season.
CAB President Sourav Ganguly told PTI, “We informed the BCCI about rescheduling the match, but there’s no scope for it to be played in Kolkata later. Now, I’m hearing that it will be shifted to Guwahati.”
Meanwhile, BJP MLA and Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikary, announced that over 20,000 processions will be held across West Bengal to celebrate Ram Navami.
In other news, the defending champions will begin their season with a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on March 22. Both teams have appointed new captains after Shreyas Iyer (KKR) and Faf du Plessis (RCB) were released. Ajinkya Rahane and Rajat Patidar will lead the teams in the 2025 season, and both face the challenge of delivering a strong start.
RCB arrived in Kolkata on March 19 and have already started their practice sessions. Meanwhile, the performance of the Eden Gardens pitch this season remains to be seen.
