Mock Drill in India: Will KKR vs CSK clash in IPL 2025 at Kolkata's Eden Gardens get affected? All you need to know

India has announced a nationwide civil defence drill on May 7 in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attacks and the escalating tensions with Pakistan. The emergency preparedness drill, the first perhaps since 1971, aims at preparing citizens to operationalise air-raid sirens, lights-off and evacuation protocols in and event of a 'hostile attack'.

The development has raised questions on whether the exercise would affect the high-profile Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

What time is Mock Drill in Kolkata?

At a time when several states have already announced their timings for the mock drill, the West Bengal government is yet to announce its time. According to a report at Anandabazar.com, the mock drill is likely to start at 4 PM IST and go on till around 7:30 PM IST. 

The KKR vs CSK clash starts at 7:30 PM with the tos taking place at 7 PM IST. With the lights cut off during the mock drill, the toss is likely to be delayed. There is also a possibility that the match starts late too. According to Livemint sources, several schools in Greater Kolkata area conducted mock drills during afternoon. 

Meanwhile, there have been no advisories issued by the BCCI, the union, state governments, or the Cricket Association of Bengal regarding the KKR vs CSK clash being affected by the mock drill.

I don't think it'll impact the IPL: Gavaskar

However, legendary Sunil Gavaskar isn't worried about IPL being affected by mock drills. "I don't think it'll impact the IPL. Yes, in the evening, when the match is being played, there will be of course, there will be perhaps the lights-off drill in the city. Then I think that could be a little bit of a concern," Gavaskar was quoted as saying to Sports Today.

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