Chinnaswamy yet to receive police clearance for Maharaja T20 as KSCA is looking at alternative venues, including Alur.
No police clearance yet for Chinnaswamy to host Maharaja T20.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has not yet received permission from the Bengaluru police to hold the Maharaja T20, the state’s franchise-based Twenty20 competition, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The dates of the event are set for August 11–27.
The main reason for the police’s refusal to grant clearance is the continuing investigation into the stampede that occurred on June 4 around the Chinnaswamy premises during RCB’s celebrations of their IPL victory. The tragedy, which left 11 people dead and more than 50 injured, is still being investigated by an independent state police criminal division.
The KSCA had declared on July 11 that the Maharaja T20 would be played behind closed doors in anticipation of any obstacles. The group is currently considering other locations, such as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru and its own facility in Alur, which is outside of Bengaluru. The lack of floodlights and seats for spectators is a problem, particularly for broadcasters and franchises, even if Alur boasts first-rate infrastructure and drainage.
As of right now, Alur will host the Maharani T20, a six-day women’s competition, starting on August 4 for the group matches. With police approvals still pending, the KSCA’s plan to host the women’s final at the Chinnaswamy appears uncertain.
The franchisees have expressed annoyance and worry over the monetary losses they currently face, while the KSCA struggles with the potential of a late venue change. With the understanding that the entire tournament would take place in central Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy), they had already booked hotels for both players and crew.
The problem puts the KSCA in a difficult situation. The women’s ODI World Cup opening match, one semifinal, and potentially the championship match will all take place in Bengaluru. On September 30, India takes on Sri Lanka in the tournament’s opening match. Prior to the competition, the Chinnaswamy will also host two warm-up matches.
A Karnataka government-appointed one-man commission that looked into the stampede last week declared the Chinnaswamy “unsafe” for major gatherings. The commission “strongly recommended” moving major events to locations “better suited” to manage sizable crowds.
The BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru will host the entirety of India’s domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy. Due to the venue’s preparations for the women’s World Cup, the board had previously contemplated holding the final at the Chinnaswamy. However, such plans were shelved.