Chinnaswamy Stadium Cleared to Host Cricket, Kohli Set for Return

The Karnataka government granted permission for the Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy stadium to host matches after a safety review.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been cleared to host cricket matches again. The Karnataka government granted permission following meetings with the new KSCA chief Venkatesh Prasad.

This paves the way for Virat Kohli to potentially play at the venue soon. The KSCA plans to move Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Alur to Chinnaswamy due to logistical reasons.

Implementing Safety Measures

Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasunder met state officials this week. The discussions focused on implementing safety recommendations from the Justice D’Cunha report following June’s fatal stampede.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the decision. “To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly,” Shivakumar said after the state’s cabinet meeting on Friday. “The Home Minister will hold discussions with the KSCA president and police officials.”

He clarified the government’s stance on hosting matches. “We have no intention of stopping cricket matches. But crowd-management measures need to be examined,” Shivakumar said. “We also intend to implement the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee in a phased manner. Venkatesh Prasad too has agreed to this.”

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The KSCA is making provisions for 2,000-3,000 fans for high-profile matches. An office-bearer said the association is on track to host IPL matches next season. “We’re on track for the IPL to be back,” they told ESPNcricinfo.

The stadium has not hosted top cricket since the June 4 stampede, which caused 11 deaths. It missed hosting Women’s World Cup matches due to the impasse. The KSCA will now begin phased work on the safety recommendations.