In a late development on Tuesday morning, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was informed by the Karnataka home ministry about a venue shift for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. The shift, which includes the highly anticipated opener between Delhi and Andhra featuring stars like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, has moved the matches from the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). This move has been prompted by security concerns, as revealed by the state’s home ministry.
Venue Switch Due to Security and Logistical Challenges
This change marks the second venue switch within just two weeks for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The KSCA had initially planned to host the matches, especially those involving Kohli and Pant, at Alur due to logistical reasons. However, due to security challenges, they decided to move the matches to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Now, the late decision to shift to the CoE reflects the importance of security for these high-profile games.
Both teams – Delhi and Andhra – have already been informed about the venue change and will adjust their training sessions accordingly. The BCCI Centre of Excellence, located near Aerospace Park, will now be the site for the crucial opener, but with one significant difference: the matches will be played behind closed doors. The Bengaluru police have assured robust security around the CoE to maintain safety and order during the tournament.
Government’s Concerns and Safety Measures
The decision to shift the games to CoE comes amid heightened security concerns and compliance issues. The Karnataka government, citing these concerns, opposed the earlier proposal to open two stands at M Chinnaswamy Stadium for spectators, a move that would have allowed between 2,000 and 3,000 fans to attend. The government’s focus has been on preventing potential chaos around the stadium, particularly during the busy holiday season.
To ensure safety, a committee consisting of police, public works, and fire safety officials conducted an inspection of the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. The committee submitted a report, which contributed to the decision to relocate the matches. This venue change reflects the ongoing efforts to address the issues raised by the Justice John Michael D’Cunha report, which had labeled the stadium “highly unsafe” for large crowds.
Since Venkatesh Prasad assumed the role of KSCA president earlier this month, there has been increased activity around the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The KSCA has been in regular talks with government officials about the potential return of major cricket events, including the IPL, to the stadium. However, this will depend on resolving the concerns highlighted in the safety report.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy opener between Delhi and Andhra will now take place behind closed doors at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, ensuring the safety of players, staff, and officials involved. The focus will remain on delivering a competitive match, with the security situation being a top priority.
