ISL 2023-24: Why is Kolkata derby suspended and East Bengal vs FC Goa moved to Bhubaneswar?

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The Kolkata derby between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan in the Indian Super League has been suspended due to ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

East Bengal and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, two arch rivals of Indian football were set to lock horns on October 28 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata. But Bangladesh are set to play Netherlands on the same day at the Eden Gardens, and ISL organisers have thus decided to reschedule the game.

Kolkata Derby suspended in ISL - Reasons

• Bangladesh will be taking on Netherlands in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Hence there will be many Bangladeshi supporters at the stadium, which may require enhanced security.
  
  
• By that day, Pakistan cricket team will have reached Kolkata to play their matches. And that will warrant enhanced security for Babar Azam and co.
  
  
• Also the Durga Puja is going to end around that time. October 24 is the Dussehra, more as Bijaya Dashami in Bengal, and the immersion of the idol is generally done three or four days after that. Hence a large chunk of secrity will have to be used on the roads and at the banks of the Ganges
  
  
• Thus the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police have said they won't be able to provide enough security for the match between East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. And that is the reason the Kolkata Derby has been halted on that day.

East Bengal vs FC Goa moved to Bhubaneswar

East Bengal's match against FC Goa on October 21 has also been moved to Bhubaneswar. The Durga Puja starts on October 20 and Kolkata Police won't be able to provide enough security for the match. Hence, East Bengal's home match against the Gaurs will be taking place in Bhubaneswar.