KOL-RAJ game on April 17 might get rescheduled

Kolkata (KOL) home game at the Eden Gardens against Rajasthan (RAJ) scheduled for April 17 is in doubt. The Indian Cricket Board is considering either relocating the game or rescheduling it to some other day. All parties, including the franchises, broadcasters and the state association have been informed about it. 

The uncertainty is because of Rama Navami festivities. The pious festival is fervently celebrated throughout the nation, and authorities are unconfident if they can provide the right security measures for the game that night. To further complicate matters, the nation will also witness a general election simultaneously. In the wake of these considerations, the Indian Cricket Board is potentially weighing the alternative of postponing the game. 

It is learnt that the Indian Cricket Board and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) are in contact with the Kolkata police. A final verdict is yet to be made but the Indian Cricket Board has already hinted the two franchises about the possibility of potential change in the schedule. 

The Indian Cricket Board has prepared the schedule in two phases. The programme was initially released for the 21 games initially, followed by the release date of the remaining 53 fixtures once the general elections dates were out. The Indian Cricket Board has taken special care to maintain the home-away format and consciously steered away from the option of relocating the matches to UAE to avoid clashes with the election dates. 

However, a situation has now arisen that calls out for a slight re-jig of the schedule. A source said, "The discussions are on with the police authorities and we will take a decision soon."

KOL, with two wins in as many games, are presently in Vishakhapatnam where they take the field against Delhi (DEL) on April 3. Rajasthan, also with two in two games, are in Mumbai to square off with Mumbai at Wankhede on Monday night.