KSCA awaits police clearance to host Maharaja T20 at Chinnaswamy

KSCA awaits police clearance to host Maharaja T20 at Chinnaswamy. (Photo source: X/cricbuzz)

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is still awaiting police permission to host the Maharaja T20, the state’s franchise-based T20 competition, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The two-week tournament is scheduled to run from August 11 to 27.

The delay in police clearance stems from the ongoing investigation into the June 4 stampede that occurred around the Chinnaswamy premises during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory celebrations. The tragic incident resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries, and is currently under investigation by an independent CID probe.

On July 11, the KSCA had announced that the Maharaja T20 would be played behind closed doors. However, with the venue still under scrutiny, the association is now exploring alternative options, including its own facility in Alur, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, and the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru. While Alur boasts excellent infrastructure and drainage, it lacks floodlights and spectator seating, presenting significant challenges for broadcasters and franchises.

As of now, Alur is set to host the group matches of the Maharani T20, a six-day women’s T20 competition, from August 4. The KSCA had initially considered staging the women’s final at Chinnaswamy, but that seems unlikely with police approvals still pending.

The uncertainty has caused frustration among franchises, who have already made hotel bookings and logistical arrangements based on the assumption that the tournament would take place in central Bengaluru. The late venue switch could result in significant financial losses.

The KSCA finds itself in a difficult position, particularly with Bengaluru scheduled to host major fixtures in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, including the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30, a semi-final, and possibly the final apart from two warm-up matches.

However, a recent report by a one-man committee appointed by the Karnataka government deemed the Chinnaswamy Stadium unsafe for large-scale events, recommending that such events be relocated to venues better equipped to handle large crowds.

Meanwhile, the domestic season-opening Duleep Trophy will now be played entirely at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The board had initially planned to host the final at Chinnaswamy, but those plans were shelved due to ongoing preparations for the Women’s World Cup and safety concerns.

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