Authorities deny permission to host Virat Kohli's return to Chinnaswamy, VHT games shifted

Fans in Bengaluru are disappointed after authorities denied permission to host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, ruling out the much-awaited return of Virat Kohli. The decision, taken on security and infrastructure grounds, has resulted in all scheduled matches being shifted to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The denial comes months after a tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives. Following the incident, the Karnataka government had imposed a ban on hosting matches at the venue and appointed the Justice Michael Cunha Commission to review safety lapses. The commission later stated 17 conditions that needed to be fulfilled before matches could resume at the stadium.

After the recent Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, the newly elected body, led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, approached the State government asking permission to host Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures. With an initial positive response, a match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh featuring Kohli and captained by Rishabh Pant, was scheduled for December 24, to be played behind closed doors.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner confirmed the development

However, following a joint inspection by a special committee comprising officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bengaluru Police, Fire Services, Health Department, BWSSB, and PWD, the Home Department concluded that the stadium was not yet ready to host matches. Confirming the development, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said permission had not been granted based on the committee’s report.

"The committee, which has gone through this area, has been on the instructions of the two departments. The different departments have gone, including Fire, Test Farm, Fiduciary, GBH, and Police. As per the report of the department, permission has not been granted for the infrastructure. The committee has to appeal the report. But as of now, the permission has not been granted," he said.

Sources in the Home Department revealed that it would be impossible for the newly formed KSCA administration to immediately comply with all 17 safety conditions. While the KSCA had sought permission to conduct matches without spectators, authorities opposed, especially given the presence of players who could attract crowds outside the venue.

As a result, the Karnataka government issued a directive citing security concerns, leading to the relocation of all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Bengaluru to the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Both participating teams have been informed, and training sessions will also be held at the CoE. KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said the association is committed to implementing all safety recommendations at the earliest and is awaiting further directions from the authorities.