The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) continues to face uncertainty over hosting the upcoming Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, as Bengaluru police have yet to grant official clearance. The tournament is scheduled to be held from August 11 to 27.
The delay in clearance is due to an ongoing CID investigation into the tragic stampede that occurred on July 4, following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebration. The incident, which took place near the stadium, resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries. A one-man committee appointed by the state government later declared the venue “unsafe” for large-scale events and advised relocation to better-equipped venues.
Anticipating such challenges, the KSCA had already announced that the fourth edition of the Maharaja Trophy would be held behind closed doors. Alternate venues such as Alur and Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru are currently under consideration. While Alur has excellent drainage, it lacks floodlights and sufficient seating, making it less ideal for high-profile matches.
The women’s Maharani T20 tournament, scheduled from August 4, will have its group-stage matches at Alur. KSCA had hoped to hold the finals at Chinnaswamy, but that now appears unlikely. The delay has also raised concerns about the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup fixtures, including India’s opening match against Sri Lanka on September 20, and potentially the final. Franchises have expressed financial concerns as many had already made arrangements assuming Bengaluru would host the entire tournament. KSCA awaits a final decision from the police.