The much-anticipated Indian Super League (ISL) Kolkata Derby has been officially rescheduled due to the West Bengal Assembly Elections. Following discussions between stakeholders and the AIFF, it has been confirmed that the high-octane clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC, originally slated for May 3, will now take place on May 17 at 7:30 PM.

The decision stems from the heavy deployment of security forces for the election results, scheduled for May 4. The Bidhannagar Police expressed their inability to provide adequate security at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (VYBK) just a day before the results. Consequently, the league’s most iconic fixture had to be pushed back to mid-May.

The election logistics have also disrupted several other fixtures. Mohun Bagan’s match against Inter Kashi has been moved from April 26 to May 12. East Bengal faces a major disadvantage as their home match against Odisha FC, scheduled for April 28, has been shifted to Goa due to polling in the city on April 29. Furthermore, East Bengal has requested to prepone their away game against Mumbai City to May 5, while uncertainty remains over their May 24 fixture against Punjab FC. Fans will now have to wait a bit longer to witness the historic rivalry unfold in the City of Joy.