A bomb threat was reported during the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens on Wednesday, triggering heightened security measures at the iconic stadium.
According to Snehasish Ganguly, President of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), the threat was received via an anonymous email sent to the official CAB account during the match. The suspicious message was immediately flagged, prompting the authorities to launch an investigation.
“The Cricket Association of Bengal received a bomb threat via email from an unknown ID during the match. The police have been informed and are actively investigating the source and credibility of the threat,” Ganguly said in a statement on Wednesday evening. “Security at Eden Gardens has been tightened as a precautionary measure.”
The email reportedly arrived while thousands of fans were present at the stadium, watching two of the most popular IPL teams compete. Despite the seriousness of the alert, the match continued without disruption, and no evacuation was deemed necessary at the time.
Kolkata Police and security agencies, including the bomb squad and cybercrime units, have begun a detailed probe into the email’s origin. Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage and scanning the stadium for any suspicious activity or unattended packages.
“We are taking the matter seriously. The safety of players, staff, and spectators is our top priority,” a senior police official said. “Preliminary checks at the venue have revealed no immediate danger, but investigations are ongoing.”
Eden Gardens, one of the oldest and largest cricket stadiums in the world, has hosted numerous international and domestic matches without incident. Wednesday’s threat, however, has raised concerns over the security of major sporting events.
Officials said additional security protocols will be enforced for upcoming matches in Kolkata, including increased screening and surveillance. The CAB has urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as investigations proceed.
The IPL governing council has not issued a formal statement yet, but sources indicated that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been briefed on the situation.
No arrests have been made so far in connection with the threat.
