In a significant development for domestic cricket, the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been denied permission to host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches. The decision was taken by the Karnataka government due to the stadium management's failure to comply with critical safety and security requirements.
Government Cites Safety Lapses for Denial
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara made the announcement on Wednesday, clarifying the government's stance. He stated that the permission to host the Vijay Hazare trophy match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was denied because the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the venue, has not complied with mandated safety norms.
The minister advised the KSCA to implement the recommendations outlined by the Justice John Michael Cunha's Commission. He assured that the request to host matches would be considered only after full compliance, emphasizing that the government would not take any "hasty decision" on the matter.
Matches Relocated to BCCI Centre of Excellence
Following the denial, the scheduled Vijay Hazare Trophy matches have been shifted to an alternate venue. KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya confirmed on Tuesday that the matches are now being held at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru near the Kempegowda International Airport.
In a statement, Mruthyunjaya expressed the association's confidence, saying, "With this proactive approach and full compliance with the recommended measures, KSCA is confident that the necessary permissions for conducting Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be granted in the near future."
Root of the Issue: Cunha Commission Recommendations
The core of the dispute lies in the findings of the Justice Cunha Commission. The commission's report, submitted earlier, concluded that the "design and structure" of the Chinnaswamy Stadium were "unsuitable and unsafe" for mass gatherings.
The key safety recommendations that the KSCA has allegedly failed to implement include:
- Adequate gates for mass entry and exit.
- Purpose-built queuing and circulation zones separated from public roads.
- Emergency evacuation plans compliant with international safety norms.
- Provision of sufficient parking facilities.
Home Minister Parameshwara revealed that he had constituted a committee headed by Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner Maheshwar Rao, which included the police commissioner and other officials. This committee inspected the stadium on Monday and found that none of the commission's recommendations had been complied with by the KSCA.
The minister also provided background, noting that after the Venkatesh Prasad-led team was elected to administer the KSCA, they met the Chief Minister and Deputy CM seeking permission. The state cabinet subsequently authorized the Home Minister to take the final decision.
The match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh was consequently played behind closed doors at the new venue. The game featured star players like former India captain Virat Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Kohli scored a brilliant 133 runs off 101 balls, leading Delhi to a comfortable 4-wicket victory while chasing a target of 299.
This incident highlights the ongoing tension between sporting bodies and regulatory authorities over spectator safety, a paramount concern following various stadium incidents globally. The KSCA's ability to swiftly address these lacunae will determine when the hallowed Chinnaswamy Stadium can once again welcome fans for domestic tournaments.
