Delhi is scheduled to play Andhra Pradesh on December 24 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru
“There is a committee constituted by the home minister which will look into it. Everything will be done as per the recommendations of the committee.” Siddaramaiah, K’taka CM
Bengaluru
Cricket fans in Bengaluru are set for disappointment as Vijay Hazare Trophy matches will not be held at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium after authorities denied permission to use the venue. As a result, all scheduled matches, including those featuring former India captain Virat Kohli, have been shifted to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of the city, near Kempegowda International Airport.
The tournament will begin on December 24, with Delhi taking on Andhra Pradesh in the opening match. The fixture is significant as it will see star players Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in action. Delhi are competing in Elite Group D and will also face Gujarat in subsequent matches at the new venue.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had sought approval from the state government to host the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium without spectators. Following this request, a committee headed by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao was formed to assess the feasibility of holding matches behind closed doors.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said a committee constituted by the Home Minister would examine the issue and take a decision based on its recommendations. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara confirmed that the committee was set up to review permissions related to conducting cricket matches at the stadium.
Major cricket events at the Chinnaswamy Stadium have remained suspended since a tragic stampede occurred outside the venue during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations on June 4, which claimed 11 lives. The incident has led to stricter scrutiny over safety and permissions for events at the stadium, resulting in the relocation of the Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.
