Virat Kohli's highly anticipated return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the Vijay Hazare Trophy has been thwarted due to security concerns. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been compelled to shift all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from the iconic venue to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). This decision comes on the eve of Delhi's opening match against Andhra, which was scheduled for Wednesday, December 24.
The primary reason for this last-minute change is the apprehension surrounding security at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government, after being prompted by the Bengaluru City Police, issued a directive to relocate the matches. This decision follows the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title celebrations on June 3, 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed that permission to host the match at Chinnaswamy Stadium had been denied. A special committee comprising officials from various departments, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Police, Fire Services, Health Department, BWSSB, and PWD, conducted a joint inspection and concluded that the stadium was not yet ready to host matches. The police remained unconvinced, citing concerns that large crowds could still gather outside the stadium even if the match were held behind closed doors.
The KSCA had been optimistic about hosting matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, especially those featuring Kohli and Rishabh Pant. Newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad had even engaged in discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and Home Minister G Parameshwara, hoping to secure permission. The association had initially proposed opening two stands to the public, potentially accommodating 2,000 to 3,000 spectators. However, this proposal faced strong opposition from the government, which cited concerns about potential chaos around the stadium during the holiday season.
This marks the second time in two weeks that the venue for these matches has been changed. The KSCA had previously shifted matches involving Kohli and Pant from Alur to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to logistical and security considerations. The matches will now be held without fans at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, located away from central Bengaluru. Security around the Aerospace Park, where the CoE is situated, will be managed by the Bengaluru police.
The decision is a setback for Prasad, who had pledged to revitalize cricket at Chinnaswamy after being elected as KSCA president. Delhi's head coach Sarandeep Singh was initially unaware of the venue change. Confirmation of the switch came later, with Delhi conducting their pre-match practice session at the CoE.
Kohli is participating in the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time in 15 years, his last appearance being in 2010. Despite the venue change, Delhi will have Kohli and Rishabh Pant in their playing XI.
