Fans unlikely for Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

Cricket fans in Bengaluru are unlikely to get the chance to watch Virat Kohli in action at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, with the Karnataka government set to direct the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to stage the matches behind closed doors.

The government is expected to issue a formal order to the KSCA, while the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence has been kept on standby as a backup venue should police permission not be granted for matches at the Chinnaswamy. The KSCA had earlier explored the option of opening two stands to the public, potentially allowing 2,000 to 3,000 spectators, but the proposal faced strong resistance from the state government.

Officials have cited “potential security and compliance issues” as the primary reasons for opposing limited crowd access, even as work continues on addressing safety concerns at the venue. ESPNcricinfo understands the government is keen to avoid chaos around the stadium during the holiday season, especially given the high-profile players involved in the tournament.

The presence of Kohli and Rishabh Pant in Delhi’s squad had earlier prompted the KSCA to shift the venue from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium to manage logistical challenges. However, concerns surrounding crowd control and safety have now pushed authorities towards a closed-door arrangement.

Following a request from the KSCA, a government-appointed committee comprising officials from the police, public works department and fire safety department inspected the stadium on Monday. The committee is expected to submit its report on Tuesday, though sources suggest the findings will align with the home department’s assessment led by G Parameshwara, reinforcing expectations of matches being played without spectators.

Kohli and Pant arrived in Bengaluru late on Monday night and are scheduled to train with the Delhi squad on Tuesday ahead of their tournament opener against Andhra. The match will mark Kohli’s first appearance at the Chinnaswamy Stadium since the tragic stampede on June 4, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebrations resulted in 11 deaths and several injuries.

In the aftermath of that incident, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted top-tier cricket, with the BCCI relocating five Women’s World Cup matches, including the final, to other venues. Since Venkatesh Prasad assumed office as KSCA president earlier this month, discussions with government officials have intensified over the possibility of elite cricket, including the IPL, returning to the venue.

Any return, however, is contingent on the KSCA addressing concerns raised in the Justice John Michael D’Cunha report, which described the stadium as “highly unsafe” for large gatherings. Despite this, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has publicly backed the return of cricket to the venue, calling it a step towards “restoring the pride of Bangalore.”

Meanwhile, the KSCA’s Alur facility, which houses three grounds, will continue to host several other Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in the city.