The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is firmly back on the BCCI’s radar after the Karnataka government granted approval to host matches, following the election of former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad as the new KSCA president. The clearance comes just a week after Prasad took charge and marks a significant step toward the venue’s return to top-level cricket.
The BCCI has already been informed of the developments, and the immediate impact could see Virat Kohli returning to play at his home ground. The KSCA is planning to shift Vijay Hazare Trophy matches involving Delhi from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to logistical and security concerns. Kohli and Rishabh Pant are both named in a large Delhi squad and are expected to be available for the first three matches, adding to the excitement around the potential shift.
Prasad, along with KSCA vice-president Sujith Somasunder, recently met Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, and other senior officials in Belagavi during the state assembly session. The discussions are understood to have been positive, paving the way for the stadium’s gradual reopening.
In anticipation of high-profile fixtures, the KSCA is also exploring the possibility of allowing 2,000 to 3,000 spectators by opening select stands. This move is being considered carefully, given the presence of Indian superstars and the need for strict crowd management.
KSCA Targets IPL Return With Phased Safety Reforms
At the government meetings, the Prasad-led KSCA reiterated its commitment to implementing recommendations from the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Committee, which investigated safety concerns at the venue. Hosting Vijay Hazare Trophy matches is being viewed as the first step in rebuilding confidence, with a larger goal of ensuring Bengaluru does not miss out on hosting IPL matches in the future.
“We’re on track for the IPL to be back,” a KSCA office-bearer told ESPNcricinfo, confirming that work on the committee’s recommendations will begin in phases. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar echoed this sentiment after the state cabinet meeting, stating that permission had been granted with precautionary measures in place and that further discussions would be held with police and KSCA officials.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted top-flight cricket since the tragic stampede on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, which resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Since then, the KSCA’s Maharaja Trophy was moved to Mysore, and the venue lost the chance to host five Women’s World Cup matches, including the final.
Shivakumar clarified that the government has no intention of stopping cricket in Bengaluru but stressed the importance of robust crowd-management systems. He confirmed that the D’Cunha Committee’s recommendations will be implemented in a phased manner, with full cooperation from KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, signaling a cautious but determined path toward the stadium’s revival.
