KSCA President Calls on RCB to Secure IPL Matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president B K Venkatesh Prasad emphasized on Wednesday that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) should actively work to retain their Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the M Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru. Prasad highlighted the unwavering support of fans over the years, stating it is an obligation for the franchise to reciprocate this loyalty.
Conditional Permission and Stadium Upgrades
Venkatesh Prasad, recently elected as KSCA president, revealed that the association has obtained conditional permission from the Karnataka Government to host IPL and international matches following extensive discussions and inspections. "In the last 45 days, we have worked in coordination with the government’s expert committee and have made many changes in the stadium to ensure safety," Prasad said. He expressed confidence in securing unconditional permission and urged RCB management to collaborate in ensuring all seven home matches, including the inaugural game, are held in Bengaluru.
Uncertainty Over Venue Selection
Prasad's remarks come amid reports that RCB is considering alternative venues such as Pune, Mumbai, or Raipur for home matches. This deliberation follows a ban on cricket matches by the Karnataka Government after a tragic stampede in June last year that resulted in 11 fatalities. "A few days ago, RCB contacted us, though they should have reached out to us much earlier. After the meeting, we have not received any word from them, and we want them to engage with the government for the smooth conduct of matches," Prasad added. He stressed that efforts have been largely one-sided from KSCA, asserting, "The ball is now in RCB’s court."
RCB's Response and Safety Concerns
In response to Prasad's press conference, RCB management issued a statement welcoming the Karnataka Government's decision to allow matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium and appreciating KSCA's infrastructure efforts. However, the franchise emphasized a cautious approach. "While our desire is always to play at our home ground, in front of our ardent fans, we want to be thorough in our commitment to further understand the conditions applicable to host matches here and the measures taken to ensure fans’ safety protocols are met," the statement read.
RCB management acknowledged preliminary conversations have identified grey areas requiring attention. "From our preliminary conversations, there are still a few grey areas that need to be looked into, and we are considering these parameters and inputs from all stakeholders before arriving at a responsible decision for the team and our fans," they stated, underscoring a fans-first philosophy.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Santosh Menon, Secretary of KSCA, noted that RCB has shown interest in playing at Chinnaswamy Stadium, including a proposal to install 300 AI-powered cameras for enhanced crowd management. "It shows that they are interested. But they have certain apprehensions, which we will sit together and resolve," Menon said.
Venkatesh Prasad also mentioned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has agreed to grant Bengaluru more international matches once the current issues are resolved. "We could not host the Women’s ODI World Cup, the men’s T20 World Cup and the Women’s Premier League (WPL). To compensate, BCCI has assured to give more international matches to Bengaluru," he added.
Anonymous Insights and Legal Considerations
A KSCA member, speaking anonymously, suggested that hosting IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium would benefit both KSCA and RCB. However, the member pointed out potential concerns, stating, "But it looks like there are other concerns, as there are court hearings taking place where their legal standpoint may be a cause of concern." This highlights the complex backdrop of legal and safety considerations influencing the decision-making process.
The ongoing dialogue between KSCA and RCB reflects broader challenges in balancing fan expectations, safety protocols, and logistical arrangements in post-pandemic and post-tragedy scenarios. As stakeholders navigate these waters, the outcome will significantly impact Bengaluru's cricketing landscape and the loyal fanbase that has steadfastly supported RCB through the years.
