Kolkata Knight Riders’ scheduled IPL home match against Rajasthan Royals on April 17 faces rescheduling due to security concerns amidst Ram Navami festivities, as per information relayed by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to the BCCI.
The proposed match coinciding with Ram Navami, coupled with forthcoming general elections in Bengal on April 19, has posed logistical hurdles for security arrangements, as affirmed by a letter from Kolkata Police to CAB President Snehasish Ganguly.
In light of these challenges, CAB has proffered two alternative dates: either advancing the match to April 16 or delaying it by 24 hours to April 18.
Confirming the development, a senior BCCI official disclosed that the CAB had informed them about the local police’s request for rescheduling, and they are scrutinizing the matter. However, they have not yet reached a definitive decision regarding the new date.
Challenges and Alternatives in Rescheduling the Match
Echoing this sentiment, a senior CAB official emphasized that they proposed April 16 or 18 for the match. Regardless, it remains KKR’s home fixture and will take place at the Eden Gardens. Currently, the KKR squad is playing against Delhi Capitals in Visakhapatnam.
Despite the necessity for rescheduling, logistical intricacies confront the BCCI. “Any alteration in dates triggers a domino effect, impacting team travel plans, broadcasters’ schedules, ticketing arrangements, and more, culminating in a logistical conundrum,” highlighted the senior BCCI official.
“While deliberating on a schedule change, we must weigh numerous factors. Nevertheless, if local law enforcement encounters challenges in ensuring adequate security, we must explore alternatives,” he added.
Analyzing the suggested dates, April 18 poses certain challenges, given the impending commencement of the first phase of elections the following day. Notably, on April 19, several districts in West Bengal, including Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri, are slated for polling.
However, Kolkata’s polling is scheduled for June 1, post the culmination of the IPL season, offering a window of opportunity for seamless scheduling adjustments.
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