Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Just days before Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to domestic cricket, last-minute security concerns have forced a venue change for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, disappointing fans who were hoping to see the star at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Chinnaswamy Stadium Fixtures Shifted At Last Moment
The Karnataka State Cricket Association confirmed that all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches scheduled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the opener between Delhi and Andhra, have been moved to the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The decision followed a directive from the Karnataka Home Ministry citing security reasons.
Security Concerns Trigger Government Intervention
Authorities stepped in amid fears of large crowds gathering to watch Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, both expected to feature for Delhi during the tournament. The move comes months after a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations in June 2025, where 11 people lost their lives, prompting the state government to adopt a stricter approach to crowd management.
Matches To Be Played Behind Closed Doors
The relocation means the matches will be played away from the city centre and without spectators. KSCA had earlier proposed opening limited seating for 2,000–3,000 fans, but the plan was rejected due to unresolved safety and compliance issues.
Kohli And Pant Still Set For Domestic Return
Despite the venue change, Virat Kohli’s first domestic white-ball appearance in years and Rishabh Pant’s captaincy stint for Delhi will go ahead at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Kohli, Pant, Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini have all confirmed their availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 season.
