Kolkata Knight Riders beat Bangalore Royal Challengers by five runs in a keenly-fought IPL tie at Eden Garders, Kolkata tonight.

With rain forcing a delay in the start, the IPL tie between Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangalore Royal Challengers has been reduced to a 16-overs per side affair.

The IPL match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Bangalore Royal Challengers at Eden Gardens Kolkata has been delayed due to rain.

Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar,who was cleared to play by his board to play in the IPL after suspending his ban, will not be feature in Thursday's home match for Kolkata Knight Riders against Bangalore Royal Challengers.

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board Dr Nasim Ashraf on Monday dropped the defamation suit against fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar after the last named had made sensational allegations in the media against Ashraf.

Rajasthan Royals lead the eight-team IPL after Sunday’s victory over Chennai Super Kings, as they have secured 10 points from six completed matches with 5 wins and a loss.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting might have had a paltry series with the bat during his 4-match IPL stint for Kolkata Knight Riders, but the Punter, who aggregated just 39 at 9.75, is back with the national team preparing for an important tour of the West Indies later this month.

Pakistan's express fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, whose 5-year ban was temporarily suspended, is free to play in the Indian Premier League.

Kolkata Knight Riders ace fast bowler Ishant Sharma was fine 10 per cent of his match fees for kicking down the stumps during Saturday's IPL match against King’s XI Punjab at Mohali.

Kings XI Punjab defeated Kolkata Knight Riders by nine runs in their home IPL match at Mohali today.