IPL 2014: Kolkata Knight Riders crown Cuttack as their new 'home-ground'

Barabati Stadium

With the IPL 2014 back and fans across the country turning out in larger than expected numbers across the country, the Knights are eager to christen Barabati Stadium as ‘home-ground’ when they take on the Mumbai Indians in Match no.33 of the IPL.

The historical Barabati Stadium which plays the gracious host to not one but two teams this season, has been the ever loyal go-to stadium in the IPL and delivering much to expectations, the excitement that accompanies T20 cricket. While the 46,000 seater Cuttack legacy was scheduled to host the home game for the KXIP from the start of the season, KKR named this home ground, when they had to change venues due to election driven security concerns.

KKR has chosen Cuttack as their other home ground to transform the city’s devotion towards cricket into booming cheers when they face off with the Mumbai Indians on May 14, 2014. The decision of the team to adopt a new home ground is also an extension of their belief of recreating the home-ground atmosphere wherever they go.

“Home is where the heart is”, says Venky Mysore CEO KKR, “While we will miss playing at Eden Gardens in front our fans at Kolkata, the Knights have a fan-base that is spread across multiple cities, towns and hamlets in every corner of the country and we are delighted that we now have the opportunity to step out and connect with a new home crowd, that will cheer with their heart and make us feel truly at home.”

With Barabati scheduled to be resplendent in the Knight’s armour of Purple and Gold on Wednesday, May 14, we hear that the team at KKR is working round the clock to provide the best home experience for each one of the many fans that shall walk in on the day and plan on announcing unique fan experiences at Cuttack.

“Cricket in India is meant to be accessible to every fan and I know we as a team are delighted to cater to every fan! This season of the IPL has been nothing short of exciting and entertaining, with each game going down to do the wire and almost every team still vying for a spot in the play-offs, we are hopeful that the fans in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack use this chance to come out and watch the most exciting cricket of the year,” continued Venky Mysore, who is confident that every one of those 46,000 fans that he shall welcome to Barabati on the 14th of May will go home with experiences and memories that are true to being a guest at the homes of KKR.