IPL 2023: KKR issues official statement on Mohun Bagan shirts controversy, said 'Nothing to do with Crowd Management'

The Lucknow Super Giants beat Kolkata Knight Riders by one run to qualify for the IPL 2023 playoffs. After the match, reports surfaced that fans wearing Lucknow Super Giants' special Mohun Bagan jerseys were denied entry to Eden Gardens on May 20. The Kolkata-based franchise called it 'misleading' adding they won't 'disrespect anyone' while expressing gratitude for having one of the biggest fanbases in the country.

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In a statement, KKR stated, "There are misleading reports that are floating around that KKR management had stopped some fans from entering Eden Gardens during the KKR vs LSG IPL game on May 20. For the record, KKR management has nothing to do with crowd management at the stadium."

"We were told that some ambush marketing was attempted by some vested interests, which as per IPL league policy was promptly stopped by the IPL league Anti-Ambush Marketing team."

They added, "KKR is grateful for the great relationship with all its fans in Kolkata and for making every game at Eden Gardens full house! It has among the largest fan bases of any franchise and would never disrespect anyone."

Earlier, Mohun Bagan's general secretary Debashish Dutta launched an attack on KKR for denying fans with green and maroon jerseys entry inside the stadium. In a media release, he said,

"It was a special match for supporters of Mohun Bagan because LSG was wearing a new Green and Maroon jersey. But, the KKR management curtailed the freedom of the Mohun Bagan supporters by not allowing them to enter the stadium."

He added, "Mohun Bagan Athletic Club strongly condemns this decision of KKR management for disrespecting the National Club of India and hurting the sentiment of our supporters."