KKR vs LSG, one of the most anticipated IPL 2025 matches, has been rescheduled from April 6 to April 8 at Eden Gardens due to security concerns. The match remains an afternoon fixture, starting at 3:30 PM IST on Tuesday instead of Sunday. The decision came after Kolkata Police raised security concerns due to Ram Navami celebrations, which would require heavy personnel deployment across the city.
Authorities suggested moving the match to ensure adequate security, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approved the request.
“The decision follows a request from Kolkata Police to the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) regarding the deployment of personnel across the city [on April 6] owing to festivities,” the IPL stated in its official release. “The authorities have recommended that the game be moved to Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 3.30 PM, and the request has been accommodated accordingly. The rest of the schedule remains unchanged,”
Security Concerns Lead to KKR vs LSG Match Postponement
CAB President Snehasish Ganguly confirmed discussions with Kolkata Police, highlighting the challenge of managing a large crowd without adequate security.
“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 [April 6],” he stated. “If there’s no police protection, accommodating and managing a 65,000-strong crowd becomes impossible,”
Possible Financial and Logistical Impact
While the schedule change ensures safety, it raises concerns about potential financial setbacks. Rescheduling the KKR vs. LSG game by two days could affect ticket sales, as fans might face schedule conflicts. Additionally, pre-booked travel arrangements could be disrupted, potentially leading to cancellations. Other revenue streams, including food and beverage sales, might also take a hit due to lower attendance.
How This Affects the IPL 2025 Schedule
This adjustment makes Sunday, April 6, a single-match day, featuring only Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Gujarat Titans at 7:30 PM (Match No. 20). Meanwhile, April 8 will now be a double-header, with KKR vs. LSG in the afternoon, followed by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings (Match No. 22) in New Chandigarh in the evening.
The IPL has seen similar schedule changes due to security concerns, including last season when a match in Kolkata was adjusted for the same festival.
With the revised date, KKR’s campaign remains packed. They face Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on April 3 before the rescheduled LSG match, and then take on Chennai Super Kings away on April 11. Meanwhile, LSG will play Mumbai Indians on April 4 before the KKR clash and then face Gujarat Titans on April 12 at home.