The domestic cricket season ignited with star power as the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 commenced on Wednesday, December 24. The opening day was headlined by the presence of modern-day legends Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who turned out for Delhi and Mumbai respectively, drawing immense fan interest despite significant broadcast and venue hurdles.
Star-Studded Lineup Lights Up Domestic Arena
The tournament's first round witnessed an unusual influx of top-tier Indian international talent. Beyond Kohli and Rohit, the list of notable participants included Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, and Harshit Rana. Their participation, while a boon for the domestic competition's profile, immediately highlighted a major issue for fans eager to watch.
In a significant setback for viewers, the majority of the opening day's matches, including the high-profile fixtures featuring these stars, were not available on any television channel or live streaming service. The only exceptions were the clashes between Puducherry vs Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad vs Uttar Pradesh, which were slated for broadcast.
Venue Shifts and Security Concerns Impact Fans
The challenges for supporters were particularly acute in Bengaluru. Fans hoping to watch Virat Kohli play for Delhi against Andhra were left disappointed as the match was moved to the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CeO) and will be played behind closed doors.
This last-minute shift occurred because the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was denied permission to host the match at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The decision came less than 24 hours before the scheduled start, following a report from a government-appointed review committee. The committee had inspected the venue in light of the tragic June 4 stampede during the RCB's IPL victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives. The stadium was deemed not yet ready to host matches as it has not fully met all the safety recommendations suggested by the Justice Cunha commission.
Contrasting Scenes in Jaipur
In stark contrast to the situation in Bengaluru, fans in Jaipur received a treat. Rohit Sharma's Mumbai is taking on Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, and preparations have been made to accommodate spectators. Authorities have made arrangements for a crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 fans, with beefed-up security measures in place. Adding to the attraction, entry for the match is free, which is expected to lead to a massive turnout of local cricket enthusiasts.
The opening day of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, therefore, presents a tale of two cities. It underscores the immense drawing power of India's cricketing icons while also revealing the infrastructural and logistical challenges that can separate these stars from their adoring public. All eyes will remain on the performances of Kohli, Rohit, and other returning stars as they use the domestic platform to stake their claims and regain form.
