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This is an archive article published on March 22, 2025
‘Extra security arrangements in place at Eden this time,’ says Kolkata Police as IPL begins today
The Kolkata Police had requested the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to reschedule the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on April 6 due to security concerns related to Ram Navami.
Security personnel outside the Eden Gardens stadium in Kolkata on Friday. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on Saturday with a grand opening ceremony at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on Saturday, marking the start of a highly anticipated season of T20 cricket. The inaugural match later in the day will see the Kolkata Knight Riders take on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
However, the lead-up to the event was marked by concern regarding potential rescheduling and heightened security measures. Joint Commissioner of Police (Headquarters) Meeraj Khalid addressed the preparations on Friday. “IPL matches are played in Kolkata (every year). We have made arrangements as we do before every match. Since an inauguration ceremony will be held prior to the match, extra arrangements have been made.
This year even better arrangements will be in place,” Khalid told The Indian Express.
The Kolkata Police had requested the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) to reschedule the IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) at Eden Gardens on April 6 due to security concerns related to Ram Navami. CAB president Snehasish Ganguly said the Kolkata Police had earlier indicated that they may not be able to provide adequate security for the match on that day.
The CAB has requested the BCCI to either reschedule the match or move it to a different venue, but they are awaiting a response. “We haven’t got any response regarding that yet,” an official said on Friday.
The Kolkata Police took to their X handle to dispel “misleading” posts, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. “Certain misleading posts are being circulated regarding the proposed rescheduling of the IPL match on 6th April. Kolkata Police remains firmly committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. All deployment decisions are made keeping public safety as the top priority. Kolkata Police – With you, Always,” the post read.
Meanwhile, to accommodate the influx of cricket enthusiasts, the Metro Railway announced special services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2 following the match. “Responding to the requests of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) and M/s Game Plan Sports Pvt. Ltd. (on behalf of Kolkata Knight Riders), Metro Railway is pleased to announce to operate special Metro services in Blue Line and Green Line-2 after the IPL T-20 match of Kolkata Knight Riders, which will be played at Eden Gardens on 22.03.2025 (Saturday) night for the benefit of the cricket lovers of Kolkata and suburbs.”
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The Metro Railway informed commuters about the ticketing arrangements, saying, “Booking counters will remain open only at Old Esplanade Metro station and New Esplanade Metro station for the sale of smart cards, tokens and paper based QR Tickets. A surcharge of Rs 10 per ticket will be levied in addition to the normal fare for special services.”
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