Bengaluru cricket enthusiasts will miss the chance to see Virat Kohli back in action at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Vijay Hazare Trophy starting Wednesday, as the Karnataka government is poised
to direct the KSCA to conduct the games without spectators.
The BCCI's Centre of Excellence has also been identified as a potential alternative venue if police clearance is not granted for fixtures at Chinnaswamy.
Earlier, the KSCA had floated the idea of opening two stands for public entry, potentially allowing 2000-3000 fans if capacity was fully utilized.
However, this faced firm resistance from the government, citing "potential security and compliance issues", amid ongoing improvements to areas flagged for attention. A report from ESPNCricinfo stated that the state government wants to prevent chaos around the venue during the holiday season, given the stature of players in participation.
The presence of Kohli and Rishabh Pant in Delhi's initial matches prompted the KSCA to shift the venue from Alur to Chinnaswamy, avoiding potential logistical issues.
A government-appointed committee, comprising police, public works, and fire safety officials, inspected the stadium on Monday following a KSCA request. The panel is slated to deliver its report on Tuesday, though insiders indicate the home department's submission, overseen by G Parameshwara, "will merely confirm what has widely been speculated. "
Kohli and Pant reached Bengaluru late Monday night and are set to practice with Delhi's team on Tuesday before facing Andhra in their opener. The India stalwart will be aiming to continue his rich form after the recent purple patch for India.
This marks Kohli's first appearance at Chinnaswamy since the deadly stampede on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title celebrations, which claimed 11 lives and caused multiple injuries. The stadium has since been barred from hosting major cricket, resulting in the relocation of five Women's World Cup games, including the final.
Under the new KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, who assumed office this month, there have been intense efforts at the venue. Multiple discussions with government authorities have focused on resuming high-profile cricket, such as the IPL, contingent on addressing concerns from the Justice John Michael D'Cunha report, which deemed the stadium "highly unsafe" for large crowds.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has publicly supported bringing cricket back to the iconic ground to "restore the pride of Bangalore. "
