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Virat Kohli’s Return to Vijay Hazare Trophy Behind Closed Doors
Match Details
New Delhi: Fans will not have the opportunity to witness Virat Kohli‘s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this Wednesday. The Karnataka government has decided to hold the match behind closed doors due to security concerns.
Venue Change
The Delhi team’s Elite Group D opener against Andhra Pradesh was initially set to take place in Alur. However, the match was moved to the Chinnaswamy Stadium after Kohli and fellow player Rishabh Pant confirmed their availability for the first two matches of the tournament. Despite this venue change, reports from ESPNcricinfo indicate that spectators will still be barred from attending.
Backup Venue Considerations
If police permission for the Chinnaswamy Stadium isn’t granted, the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru is being considered as a potential backup venue.
Security Concerns
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had initially proposed opening two stands to the public, which could accommodate 2,000 to 3,000 spectators. However, this proposal was rejected by the state government, which cited security risks and compliance issues. Officials are particularly concerned about avoiding crowd-related incidents during the holiday season, especially given the prominence of players like Kohli and Pant.
Committee Inspection
Following a formal request from the KSCA, the Karnataka government formed a committee including officials from police, public works, and fire safety departments. This committee inspected the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday and is expected to submit its recommendations shortly. The findings are likely to support the decision to conduct the match without an audience.
Historical Context
This cautious approach stems from a tragic incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations in June, where a stampede led to 11 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Team Training
Kohli, Pant, Ishant Sharma, and Navdeep Saini are all part of Delhi’s squad for the 2025–26 Vijay Hazare Trophy, with Pant as the appointed captain. Kohli and Pant arrived in Bengaluru late Monday and are anticipated to train with the team today.
Conclusion
As fans await Kohli’s domestic return, the Karnataka government’s prioritization of safety reflects a commitment to prevent further incidents and ensure a secure environment for players and staff.
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