Cricket fans in Bengaluru will be left disappointed as the highly anticipated return of Virat Kohli to domestic cricket will unfold in an empty stadium. The Elite Group D Vijay Hazare Trophy opener between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh, scheduled for Wednesday, will be played behind closed doors at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on government orders.
Security Concerns Override Fan Access
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had hoped to allow a limited number of spectators, potentially between 2,000 to 3,000 fans, into two stands of the iconic venue. However, the state government has firmly rejected this proposal. A committee comprising officials from the police, public works, and fire safety departments inspected the stadium on Monday and is expected to submit a report reinforcing the decision for a closed-door event.
The government cited significant security and compliance issues as the primary reason. Authorities are particularly wary of potential crowd-related chaos during the busy holiday season, especially given the star power of players like Kohli and Pant. This cautious stance is heavily influenced by the tragic memory of the stampede during the RCB IPL victory celebrations in June, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Venue Change and Backup Plans
The match was originally slated to be held in Alur but was shifted to the larger Chinnaswamy Stadium following confirmation that both Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant would be available for Delhi's first two matches. The duo, along with teammates Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, arrived in Bengaluru late on Monday and are set to train on Tuesday.
With Pant leading the side, the match has drawn immense public interest. However, if final police permission for the Chinnaswamy Stadium is not secured, the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is being kept ready as a backup venue for the fixture.
What This Means for Fans and the Tournament
The decision underscores the immense logistical and security challenges of hosting high-profile domestic matches featuring cricketing icons. While it prioritizes safety, it denies thousands of local fans a rare opportunity to watch their heroes in a competitive domestic setting. The move sets a precedent for how state associations and governments might handle similar situations in the future, balancing fan enthusiasm with public safety imperatives.
All eyes will now be on the performance of the star-studded Delhi squad, albeit without the roar of the crowd, as they begin their campaign in the prestigious 50-over tournament.
