Star Indian batter Virat Kohli, who is returning to the domestic 50-over tournament Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT), is expected to play all his matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This development follows
the newly-elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) chief Venkatesh Prasad receiving approval from the state government to host matches at the stadium once again.
Previously, the stadium was deemed “unfit for large-scale events” by the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, which investigated a stampede during the victory celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) win earlier this year. The incident in June resulted in 11 fatalities and several injuries, leading to the venue not hosting any top-flight cricket matches. The KSCA’s Maharaja Trophy was moved to Mysore in August, and the venue did not host any of its five ICC Women’s World Cup matches, including the final, according to ESPNCricinfo.
Chinnaswamy To Host RCB’s IPL Matches?
Now, with the clearance, Chinnaswamy Stadium is back on the radar of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Initially, KSCA will host matches in Alur, with Virat possibly playing all his VHT matches at his RCB home ground. Both Virat and star Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant are named among the probables for the tournament and could be available for the first three matches.
Earlier this week, Prasad and KSCA vice-president Sujith Somasunder met with CM Siddharamaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other government officials in Belagavi. The discussions were positive regarding Chinnaswamy hosting matches again. ESPNCricinfo understands that KSCA plans to open a few stands to the public, accommodating 2,000-3,000 fans, given the star power of Virat and Pant.
During the meeting, the Prasad-led KSCA committee committed to making feasible changes based on the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission’s report. The VHT matches are just the beginning, as KSCA aims to ensure Chinnaswamy does not lose its share of IPL matches next year.
“We are on track for the IPL to be back,” an office-bearer privy to the developments said to ESPNcricinfo.
KSCA is expected to implement D’Cunha’s recommendations in phases.
“To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly,” deputy chief minister Shivakumar said after the state’s cabinet meeting on Friday.
“The Home Minister will hold discussions with the KSCA president and police officials,” the Deputy CM added.
“We have no intention of stopping cricket matches. But crowd-management measures need to be examined. 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,” he concluded.
(With inputs from Agencies)
