Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) canceled their only practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad ahead of the IPL 2024 Eliminator on May 22, reportedly due to a security threat involving star player Virat Kohli.

RCB is set to face Rajasthan Royals (RR) in this crucial knockout match. The winner will go on to compete against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 on May 24 in Chennai, with the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) scheduled for May 26.

RCB had planned to practice at the Gujarat College ground in Ahmedabad on Tuesday but decided to cancel without giving an official reason. Some reports suggest the extreme 44-degree heat in Ahmedabad might have influenced the decision. In contrast, the Rajasthan Royals continued their practice as scheduled at the same location.

The Narendra Modi Stadium, the main venue of the Gujarat Cricket Association, was unavailable for RCB and RR on Tuesday due to the IPL Qualifier 1 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Thus, the Gujarat College ground was designated as the alternative practice site.

According to Anandabazar Patrika, Gujarat police indicated that the cancellation was primarily due to a security threat against Virat Kohli. On Monday night, Gujarat police arrested four individuals at Ahmedabad airport suspected of terror activities linked to the ‘ISIS’ organization. The arrests led to the recovery of arms, suspicious videos, and text messages from the suspects’ hideout.

These security concerns were communicated to both RR and RCB. While RR proceeded with their practice, RCB opted to cancel theirs, informing security personnel of their decision but not providing a formal public explanation.

Virat Kohli became aware of the arrests upon arriving in Ahmedabad. Given his status as a national icon, ensuring his security is paramount. Consequently, RCB decided to cancel their practice session to avoid any risks. Rajasthan Royals were also informed of the situation but chose to proceed with their practice, according to Vijaysingh Jhala, a police officer quoted by Anandabazar Patrika.

Security measures were significantly increased around RCB’s team hotel. A separate entrance was designated exclusively for RCB team members, inaccessible to other hotel guests. Even IPL-accredited media personnel were barred from entering the hotel premises.

The report also mentioned that the Rajasthan Royals traveled to the practice ground using a “green corridor,” ensuring a secure passage. RR skipper Sanju Samson arrived later than the rest of the team. Some players, including Ravichandran Ashwin, Riyan Parag, and Yuzvendra Chahal, opted to stay at the hotel rather than practice. The RR players who attended the practice were under heavy security, with police officers patrolling the area.

Due to these security concerns, both RR and RCB team management decided to cancel the pre-match press conference.