Despite growing concerns over a nationwide civil defence mock drill scheduled for May 7, the toss between Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings took place on time at 7 PM IST that Eden Gardens, Kolkata. KKR won the toss and opted to bat first in this do-or-die fixture for their playoff hopes.

The nationwide emergency preparedness drill—announced in response to the Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor—was expected to include lights-off protocols and evacuation simulations in various parts of the country. Reports had suggested the Kolkata leg of the drill could extend up to 7:30 PMraising fears of a delayed toss or match start.

While the toss has taken place as scheduled, there remains uncertainty about whether the mock drill activities may affect the match midwayespecially with Eden Gardens situated in a central and sensitive zone of Kolkata. So far, no official advisory has been issued by the BCCI, CAB, or state government regarding disruptions.

Earlier in the day, evacuation drills were conducted at multiple Kolkata schoolsincluding La Martiniere and DPS Ruby Park, under the guidance of the NCC. However, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar expressed confidence that the IPL match would not be impacted significantly, stating, “I don’t think it’ll impact the IPL… though lights-off could be a concern.”

With KKR fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and CSK already eliminated, tonight’s clash remains high-stakes and closely watched, both on and off the field.