IPL Eden Gardens pitch row: Past demands for KKR to move to Cuttack Barabati Stadium surface

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have long called Eden Gardens their home, but history has shown that the franchise has been open to playing elsewhere under special circumstances. 

The debate over KKR’s home advantage has reignited after IPL 2025’s pitch controversy, but this isn’t the first time discussions of shifting to an alternative venue have emerged.

Resurfaced Calls for a Move to Cuttack

As this debate unfolded, a viral video of former KKR captain Nitish Rana resurfaced, in which he had previously voiced frustrations about Eden Gardens’ surface. Rana had claimed that "every team has home advantage except KKR," fueling discussions about whether the franchise should consider an alternative venue.

Lets make it clear from next season, either CAB cooperates and make Eden Garden pitches according to KKR for IPL or we move our home stadium from Eden to Kanpur or Cuttack.

One season without IPL revenue and CAB will comeback crying to us. @KKRiders@VenkyMysore. pic.twitter.com/m3bAPSO5Lt

— SED KKR FAN (@KirketXpert) May 18, 2023

@KKRiders@RedChilliesEnt@VenkyMysore@iam_juhi we plead that someone takes this up with the @CabCricket top brass! MI, CSK, RCB all get support from home boards!
Either get the right tracks or the right fast bowlers 🙏
Or move matches to Ranchi or Cuttack!#IPL2023#kkrpic.twitter.com/0hLi2G1MXX

— Anindya Das (@AmiAnindya1989) May 18, 2023

In IPL 2025, after the Ajinkya Rahane and Eden Gardens pitch curator comments row, cricket experts like Simon Doull and Harsha Bhogle both suggest that home teams deserve some influence over pitch conditions.

Doull went as far as to say, "If he’s not taking heed of what the home team wants... then just move the franchise away to somewhere else." On social media, too many fans echoed similar sentiments. However, this is not the first time these demands were raised.

Cuttack Has Served as KKR’s Home Ground in IPL

During the 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, KKR had to relocate select home matches to Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium due to security concerns in Kolkata amid the general elections. This temporary move saw KKR play against Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians at the Odisha-based venue, with passionate fans filling the stands.

One of the most notable matches played at Barabati Stadium was against Mumbai Indians on May 14, 2014. KKR successfully chased down Mumbai’s target of 141, thanks to a stellar knock from Robin Uthappa, who scored 80 off 52 balls. The match demonstrated that Barabati could serve as an effective home ground when needed.

Despite logistical challenges, including additional expenses for travel and accommodation, KKR’s brief stint at Cuttack remains a reference point whenever Eden Gardens’ pitch conditions fail to align with the franchise’s playing style.

The 2025 Eden Gardens Pitch Controversy

Fast forward to IPL 2025, and Eden Gardens finds itself at the center of another heated debate. Following KKR’s home defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on March 22, captain Ajinkya Rahane openly expressed concerns about the surface, stating that he preferred a pitch that assisted spinners—something historically aligned with KKR’s strengths.

However, Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee firmly rejected any changes, reiterating that IPL regulations do not permit franchises to dictate pitch preparation. Mukherjee defended the pitch by pointing out that RCB’s spinners had managed to take wickets, questioning why KKR’s own bowlers couldn’t do the same.

Is Another Move to Cuttack Possible?

Despite the controversy, no official statement has been released by KKR regarding a potential move from Eden Gardens. However, the resurfacing of past relocations, combined with expert opinions and social media speculation, has kept the conversation alive.

With Barabati Stadium boasting a 46,000-seat capacity and a cricket-loving fanbase, a shift remains a viable—though currently speculated option.