Vijay Hazare Trophy Match to Be Held Behind Closed Doors in Bengaluru

In a significant decision, the Karnataka government has mandated that the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy match featuring Virat Kohli against Andhra Pradesh will take place without any spectators at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This move comes amid security concerns, with alternative venues being considered if police approval is not granted. The KSCA had initially hoped to allow a limited number of fans, but safety regulations led to the rejection of this plan. Following a tragic incident earlier this year, the stadium has faced scrutiny regarding its suitability for large events. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 23, 2025, 13:02 IST

Match Restrictions at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Fans in Bengaluru will likely miss the chance to watch the Vijay Hazare Trophy match featuring Virat Kohli against Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, as the Karnataka government has opted to hold the match without spectators due to security concerns. Reports indicate that if police approval for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is not granted, the BCCI's Centre of Excellence may be considered as an alternative venue.

Initially, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had contemplated opening the first two stands to accommodate 2,000 to 3,000 spectators. However, this proposal was rejected by the government, citing safety issues and compliance with regulations. The state government aims to prevent chaos around the stadium during the holiday season, especially with high-profile players participating. The relocation of the match from Alur to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was necessitated by the availability of Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the first two matches, which posed logistical challenges for the KSCA.

In response to a request from the KSCA, the Karnataka government formed a committee comprising police, public works, and fire department officials, who inspected M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday. A formal report is expected from them on Tuesday, likely confirming the anticipated decision to hold the match behind closed doors due to security concerns.

Following a stampede during the celebration of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) first IPL victory earlier this year, the Karnataka government established an inquiry led by Justice John Michael D'cunha, which deemed the stadium "unsuitable for large-scale events." Since the tragic incident in June that resulted in 11 fatalities and numerous injuries, no major cricket matches have taken place at this venue. The KSCA's Maharaja Trophy was relocated to Mysuru in August.