The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to return to India’s cricketing map after the Karnataka government cleared the venue to host matches, opening the door for Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to play in front of their home crowd once again.
The approval comes just days after Venkatesh Prasad took charge as the newly elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also been informed of the latest developments, bringing Bengaluru one step closer to regaining its status as a premier cricket venue.
Kohli Likely to Feature at Chinnaswamy in Domestic Cricket
One of the immediate outcomes of the clearance is the likely shift of Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The move is being considered due to security and logistical challenges at the original venue.
With Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant named in a large Delhi squad, both players could be available for the opening three matches—raising the prospect of Kohli returning to competitive cricket at his beloved home ground.
Government–KSCA Talks Pave the Way Forward
Venkatesh Prasad, along with KSCA vice-president Sujith Somasunder, held detailed discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and senior officials in Belagavi earlier this week. The meetings, held alongside the state assembly session, are understood to have played a key role in securing approval.
Sources suggest the KSCA has also proposed opening select stands to allow 2,000–3,000 spectators, keeping in mind the massive interest surrounding matches involving high-profile Indian stars.
IPL Return Very Much on the Agenda
While Vijay Hazare Trophy games are expected to mark the venue’s return, hosting IPL matches remains the long-term goal. The Chinnaswamy has not staged top-level cricket since the tragic June 4 stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, which resulted in 11 fatalities.
“We’re on track for the IPL to be back,” a KSCA official familiar with the developments said, adding that work on reforms would begin immediately.
Implementing D’Cunha Committee Recommendations
At the government meeting, the Prasad-led KSCA reiterated its commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Committee, which was formed to review crowd management and safety protocols at the stadium.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that permissions had been granted after precautionary measures were put in place.
“We have no intention of stopping cricket in Bengaluru,” Shivakumar said. “But crowd control and safety arrangements must be thoroughly examined. The Home Minister will also engage with KSCA officials and police authorities.”
Chinnaswamy’s Road Back After a Difficult Year
Following the June incident, the stadium lost hosting rights for several major events. The KSCA Maharaja Trophy was shifted to Mysore, while Bengaluru also missed out on five Women’s World Cup matches, including the final.
With fresh leadership, government backing, and phased reforms now underway, the Chinnaswamy Stadium appears set for a carefully managed comeback—one that could soon see Kohli and RCB reignite Bengaluru’s electric cricket atmosphere.
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