Here's why fans will not be able to watch Kohli's return to Chinnaswamy

Cricket fans in Bengaluru hoping to witness Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Vijay Hazare Trophy will have to wait longer. Despite the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s request to host the December 24 match behind closed doors, local authorities have refused permission, citing unresolved safety and security concerns.  The decision comes against the backdrop of the June 4 stampede outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebrations, an incident that claimed 11 lives and fundamentally altered how authorities now view crowd and venue management at the venue. While the emotional pull of hosting top stars at Chinnaswamy remains strong, officials have made it clear that public safety considerations will take precedence over sporting sentiment. 

 

Police committee rejects request after inspection

 

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed that permission to stage the Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture at Chinnaswamy Stadium had been denied following a detailed inspection. A committee constituted by the state Home Department visited the venue and subsequently recommended against allowing the match to be held there, even without spectators. Singh clarified that there was “no ambiguity” in the decision, stressing that the panel’s assessment led directly to the rejection. While he declined to share specific findings, he indicated that the report was comprehensive and formed the basis of the final call.

 

Match shifted to BCCI Centre of Excellence

 

With clearance not forthcoming, the match has been relocated to the BCCI Centre of Excellence on the outskirts of Bengaluru, near Kempegowda International Airport. Official sources confirmed the shift, ensuring the tournament schedule remains intact even as the city’s most famous cricket venue stays shut for competitive action. For fans, however, the move means missing out on the chance to see marquee players in familiar surroundings.

 

Government panel and KSCA compliance under scrutiny

 

The inspection committee, headed by the Greater Bengaluru Authority commissioner and comprising senior police officials along with representatives from the Public Works, Fire, Health departments and Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited, was tasked with verifying whether safety norms had been met. Home Minister G Parameshwara had earlier noted that a 17-point set of recommendations had been communicated to the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the panel was asked to evaluate the extent of compliance before advising the government.

 

CM links future matches to Cunha Commission report

 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that any future permissions for matches at Chinnaswamy would depend on full adherence to safety and security measures outlined by the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, which probed the June stampede. The commission reportedly flagged the stadium’s design and structure as unsuitable for large gatherings and recommended major upgrades, including improved entry and exit gates, dedicated queuing zones, emergency evacuation plans aligned with international norms, and adequate parking facilities.

 

Mixed signals within the government

 

While Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar expressed surprise at the denial and reiterated his support for hosting cricket matches in Bengaluru, he acknowledged that security concerns could not be ignored. He indicated that discussions with the Home Minister would follow, underlining that the government was not opposed to matches in principle but wanted strict conditions met.

 

For now, though, the message from authorities is unequivocal: until safety benchmarks are fully satisfied, the gates of Chinnaswamy will remain closed — even if that means fans miss out on seeing Kohli back at his beloved home ground.