Cricket fans in Bengaluru anticipating a glimpse of Virat Kohli in action at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will have to change their plans. The star batter is confirmed to participate in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi, but the venue for his group stage matches has been shifted.
Venue Shift from Chinnaswamy to BCCI's Alur Complex
Originally scheduled to be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the matches for the Elite Group E have been relocated. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has moved these fixtures to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence at Alur, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This decision directly impacts where fans can watch Kohli play during the tournament's league phase.
The change was communicated by the KSCA, which is hosting the group. While the reason for the shift wasn't explicitly detailed in the circular, it is understood that logistical and scheduling considerations at the main stadium often prompt such changes to utilize the extensive facilities in Alur.
Kohli's Comeback and Group E Schedule
Virat Kohli's inclusion is significant as it marks his return to domestic List A cricket after a considerable gap. He will be leading the batting charge for the Delhi cricket team in the national 50-over championship.
The Elite Group E comprises teams like Delhi, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Uttarakhand. Delhi's campaign in Bengaluru will now unfold entirely at the Alur grounds. Their match schedule is as follows:
- November 23: Delhi vs Haryana
- November 25: Delhi vs Jammu & Kashmir
- November 27: Delhi vs Uttarakhand
- November 29: Delhi vs Odisha
All these matches are set to begin at 9:00 AM IST. The top team from this group will advance to the knockout stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
What This Means for Fans and the Tournament
The move to Alur means a different experience for spectators. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, located in the heart of the city, is easily accessible and has a large seating capacity. The BCCI facility in Alur, while world-class, is situated farther from the city center and has different crowd management protocols.
However, the primary focus remains on the cricket and Kohli's much-awaited appearance. His participation adds immense star power to the domestic tournament and provides him with crucial game time in the 50-over format. It serves as an ideal preparation platform for him and other contenders ahead of the international calendar.
For Bengaluru, hosting a group featuring one of the world's most famous cricketers is a prestige, even if the venue is on the periphery. The KSCA's Alur complex, with its multiple grounds, is well-equipped to handle the high-profile matches efficiently.
