Bengaluru cricket fans are set to miss out on watching Virat Kohli play at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this week. The Karnataka government is expected to ask the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to hold Vijay Hazare Trophy matches without spectators. The decision is linked to security worries and pending safety clearances at the venue.
Kohli is part of the Delhi squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His return to domestic cricket has created strong interest among fans. However, they may not be allowed inside the stadium on Wednesday.
Government cites safety and security concerns
Earlier, the KSCA had planned to open two stands for the public. This would have allowed around 2,000 to 3,000 fans to attend the match. But the state government did not agree with the idea. Officials raised concerns over crowd control, safety risks, and infrastructure issues at the stadium.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the government is keen to avoid any disorder during the holiday season. The presence of big names like Kohli and Rishabh Pant was seen as a major risk. Due to this, the proposal for limited public entry was rejected.
The KSCA had earlier shifted matches from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This was done to reduce travel issues for players. However, police permission is still not confirmed. As a backup plan, the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru has been kept ready as an alternative venue.
A government-appointed committee inspected the stadium on Monday. The team included officials from the police, public works department, and fire safety department. The report is expected on Tuesday. Sources suggest the final decision will likely support matches without spectators.
Kohli and Pant reached Bengaluru late on Monday night. They are set to train with the Delhi team on Tuesday. Delhi will face Andhra in their opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match.
This would have been Kohli’s first match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium since the tragic stampede on June 4. The incident happened during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebrations. Eleven people lost their lives. Several others were injured. Since then, top-level cricket has stayed away from the venue.
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