The controversy surrounding the shifting of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) IPL match, originally scheduled for April 6 at Eden Gardens — coinciding with Ram Navami — has taken on both political and economic dimensions. Former KKR and India fast bowler Ashok Dinda, now a BJP MLA, offered his perspective, suggesting that beyond the security challenges cited by authorities, financial concerns for KKR could also be a driving factor in the venue change.
In an interview with India Today, Dinda acknowledged that the Kolkata Police’s inability to provide security due to the large-scale Ram Navami celebrations is a significant factor but added that the potential economic loss for KKR cannot be overlooked. He pointed out that Ram Navami is a major festival in West Bengal, drawing thousands of people to the streets for processions, religious gatherings, and celebrations. This would inevitably result in severe traffic congestion, road closures, and a general reluctance from fans to navigate the chaos to attend the match.
“It’s not just about whether security can be provided,” Dinda said. “It’s also about the turnout. On Ram Navami, thousands participate in rallies. Who will come to the stadium? Who will buy tickets when people are more focused on the festival? If Eden Gardens remains half-empty, that’s a massive financial hit for KKR. Let’s face it — Shah Rukh Khan doesn’t run KKR to incur losses but to make profits. If profits weren’t a priority, we’d see more Bengal players getting opportunities in KKR.”
Dinda implied that the economic viability of hosting a match on such a significant religious occasion was questionable from the start, hinting that a low turnout would affect ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and overall engagement — crucial factors in the IPL's business model.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) confirmed that Kolkata Police informed them they could not guarantee adequate security for the match, citing the heavy deployment required for Ram Navami events across the city. CAB President Snehasish Ganguly clarified that this information was relayed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), prompting discussions about moving the match to an alternative venue.
Dinda defended the BCCI’s likely decision to relocate the match, arguing that even if security weren’t a concern, the overwhelming participation in Ram Navami rallies would still make it logistically impractical to hold the match in Kolkata. “It’s a practical move. When the streets are packed with people celebrating, roads are blocked, and the city’s focus is on the festival, how do you expect fans to make it to the stadium? Even those who want to watch the match live would think twice about braving the chaos,” he remarked.
The situation has sparked a fierce political debate, with BJP and TMC leaders engaging in a war of words over the matter. The TMC accused the BJP of politicizing the issue and questioned whether the venue shift was necessary, while the BJP countered that public safety and logistical challenges made the decision unavoidable. Some TMC leaders alleged that the BJP was using the Ram Navami celebrations as a pretext to disrupt the IPL schedule in Kolkata, while BJP leaders like Dinda maintained that the festival's significance and the potential financial impact on KKR justified the move.
Adding fuel to the fire, fans of KKR have taken to social media to express their disappointment, with some blaming politics for robbing Kolkata of a home game. Others echoed Dinda’s sentiment, acknowledging that a half-empty stadium would dampen the energy and excitement IPL matches are known for, particularly at Eden Gardens, one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world.
As the BCCI deliberates on the final decision, the incident highlights the growing intersection of sports, politics, and economics. Whether the match stays in Kolkata or moves to a different venue, one thing is clear — this controversy has become much more than a scheduling issue. It now symbolizes a broader debate about priorities, public sentiment, and the commercial realities of modern cricket.
