Kolkata: Following the successful hosting of World T20 matches, Eden Gardens is all set to host the home matches of Kolkata Knight Riders. But much to the disappointment of the KKR management, it will not be a full house at least for the first match between Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils. If the hangover of the World T20 matches be one of the reason, cracks in the stands has forced the KKR management to reduce the seats at the iconic venue. Another reason for the fans turning back to the first match of KKR was the absence of team owner and Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan for the match. The actor will be busy for the promotion of his new film “Fans”.
Few days back, the PWD department had sent a notice to the CAB regarding the cracks surrounding the pillars of the J-Block of the Eden Gardens. The PWD department had asked CAB not to sell any tickets of the J-block until and unless the renovation is over. This particular block has the capacity of 1200 seats. This is the reason why the tickets for the matches scheduled for 10th and 12th April against Delhi Daredevils and Mumbai Indians is not sold by the Knight Riders keeping in mind the spectator safety. According to CAB president Sourav Ganguly, “The renovation work will begin from 13thApril. We requested the PWD department to give us the release for at least the first two matches but they refused. As the matter is related with public security we are not going into any controversy.”
Earlier, it has been noticed that during IPL, KMC and PWD have raised a lot of questions whether to impose entertainment tax for the IPL matches or not. A section of CAB members feel this is nothing but demand for the tickets. Some others feel that as it is related with public safety, so controversy should not be dragged into it.