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KSCA Yet To Get Police Nod For Chinnaswamy; Plans Shift For Maharaja T20 2025

Rajgeeta Yadav

Chinnaswamy Stadium [Source: @BholisSoul_18/X.com]Chinnaswamy Stadium [Source: @BholisSoul_18/X.com]

The Maharaja Trophy 2025, a popular T20 cricket tournament in Karnataka, is set to begin on August 11, but it’s still unclear if matches will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is now thinking about moving the matches to other venues because they haven't received permission from the police to use Chinnaswamy Stadium, according to ESPNcricinfo. 

This is mainly because the stadium is part of an investigation into a tragic stampede that happened outside it on June 4, during RCB’s IPL victory celebration. Sadly, 11 people died and many were injured in that incident.

KSCA Looks For Backup Grounds Amid Safety Concerns

Originally, KSCA had announced that matches would be played without fans (behind closed doors), but they hadn’t explained why. Now it’s clear the stampede and the ongoing police probe are the reasons behind this decision.

With the Chinnaswamy Stadium's availability uncertain, the KSCA is considering two alternative venues. One is Alur Ground, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. However, it lacks floodlights and spectator stands, which could be a challenge for TV coverage and sponsors. The other option is the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru, which is also being explored as a possible venue.

The Maharani T20, the first-ever women’s edition of the tournament, will start on August 4, and it's likely to be held in Alur.

The situation is also causing concerns for the franchises, who had already booked hotels and made other arrangements expecting the games to happen at Chinnaswamy. Now, they may lose money because of the sudden change in venue.

It is also important to note that Chinnaswamy Stadium is supposed to host four matches (three league games and a semi-final) of the Women’s ODI World Cup in September and October. But if the investigation isn’t completed and safety measures aren't in place, even those matches might be moved to another venue.