Concerns Loom Over Maharaja Trophy Matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Uncertainty Surrounds Maharaja Trophy Venue
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 1: The fate of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the venue for the upcoming Maharaja Trophy T20 matches remains uncertain, as the Bengaluru Police have yet to grant approval to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for hosting the games.
The tournament is slated to take place from August 11 to 27, according to reports. The delay in clearance is largely attributed to an ongoing CID investigation into a tragic stampede that occurred on July 4, following the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's first IPL title victory on July 3. This incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left over 50 individuals injured.
A state-appointed committee investigating the stampede recently classified the venue as 'unsafe' for large events, recommending that such gatherings be moved to locations more suitable for accommodating large crowds.
In light of potential challenges, the KSCA had previously announced that the fourth season of the Maharaja Trophy would be conducted without spectators, and they are currently considering alternative venues, including their facility in Alur and the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru. While Alur has excellent drainage, it lacks floodlights and has limited spectator seating.
As it stands, Alur is scheduled to host the group stage matches of the women's T20 tournament, the Maharani T20, starting August 4. Although KSCA aimed to hold the finals at Chinnaswamy, the absence of police approval casts doubt on this plan.
Franchises are increasingly worried about potential financial repercussions due to the venue uncertainty, as they have already made arrangements for their players and staff based on the expectation that central Bengaluru would host the entire competition.
The police clearance dilemma places KSCA in a challenging position, especially with high-profile matches planned at the venue for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup later this year, including a semifinal and possibly the final. India is set to face Sri Lanka in their tournament opener on September 20, and the stadium is also scheduled to host two warm-up matches prior to the tournament.
Additionally, the Duleep Trophy, which marks the beginning of India's domestic cricket season, will take place at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence. Although there were considerations to hold the final at Chinnaswamy, those plans have been scrapped in light of the Women's World Cup.