The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to re-enter the BCCI’s match radar after receiving a crucial go-ahead from the Karnataka State Government. The approval comes shortly after the election of former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad as the new chief of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
The stadium had been deemed “unfit for large-scale events” and stripped of all major fixtures—including ICC Women’s World Cup matches—following a tragic stampede in June outside the venue during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives.
The immediate implications of the stadium’s clearance are significant for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), India’s domestic 50-over tournament. The KSCA is reportedly planning to shift Delhi’s matches from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to the immense star power of players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, who are named among the probables for the tournament and could feature in the first three matches. This means Kohli could make his return to domestic 50-over cricket at his long-time RCB home ground.
KSCA Commits to Safety Reforms
The clearance follows positive discussions between the new KSCA management, led by Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasunder, and Karnataka government officials, including Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The KSCA committee has committed to implementing the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission—tasked with investigating the stampede—in a phased manner.
Deputy CM Shivakumar confirmed the conditional approval: “To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly… We also intend to implement the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee in a phased manner. Venkatesh Prasad too has agreed to this.”
To manage the anticipated surge in crowds due to Kohli and Pant’s participation, the KSCA is planning a cautious return, allowing only a limited public presence of 2,000–3,000 fans by opening a few select stands.
Eyeing IPL Return
For the KSCA, hosting the VHT is a vital first step towards a much bigger goal: securing the return of the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, which had faced uncertainty following the tragedy. “We are on track for the IPL to be back,” an office-bearer privy to the developments told ESPNcricinfo, indicating the swift action by the new KSCA leadership is focused on restoring the iconic stadium’s status as a major cricket venue.