Chinnaswamy Stadium matches under review as KSCA seeks State nod

State Home Department to decide on hosting IPL and Vijay Hazare matches after a high-level committee inspects security, crowd control, and infrastructure at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has formally sought permission from the state government to host cricket matches, including Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures and Indian Premier League (IPL) games, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The request has been made by the newly elected KSCA administration, with its president Venkatesh Prasad personally meeting the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Home Minister to urge approval for organising matches at the iconic venue.

However, the decision has not been taken immediately. The state Cabinet has left the matter to the discretion of the Home Department, citing the need for strict compliance with safety and security norms.

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Before granting permission, the government has made it clear that the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission must be implemented. These recommendations focus on adequate police deployment, effective crowd management measures, and overall public safety during high-profile sporting events.

To assess the preparedness of the stadium, Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwara has constituted a multi-departmental committee under the leadership of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner and the Bengaluru Police Commissioner.

The committee includes officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Public Works Department (PWD), Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, and BESCOM. The panel has been tasked with conducting a detailed inspection of the stadium facilities, including access points, emergency response systems, power supply, medical preparedness, and crowd control infrastructure.

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The committee will submit a comprehensive report to the Home Department, based on which a final decision will be taken on whether cricket tournaments can be hosted at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As part of this process, a team led by Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh is scheduled to visit the stadium today to carry out an on-ground inspection and assess security arrangements.

Only after reviewing the findings of these inspections will the Home Department take a final call on granting permission for hosting matches at the venue.

GBA Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao said that a committee had submitted a request to the government and that the authorities are now examining the government’s directions. He stated that senior officials are currently carrying out inspections as instructed.

He said the government had directed that the matter be reviewed through a committee. “We have now visited the venue and closely observed all aspects. Senior officials, including Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh and heads of various departments, were present during the inspection,” Rao said.

Maheshwar Rao added that the committee would submit its report at the earliest. He confirmed that a meeting was also held with KSCA office-bearers and clarified that all issues are still under the process of examination. “We have been instructed to submit the report by 5 pm,” he said.

KSCA spokesperson Vinay said that detailed discussions were held with the Home Minister regarding the conduct of matches. He stated that after the team led by Venkatesh Prasad took charge, KSCA submitted a formal request to the government.

Vinay Mruthyunjaya said allowing spectators at this stage would be difficult, as only a few days remain for the start of the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He confirmed that an official inspection team has now visited the stadium and that KSCA is awaiting the recommendations mentioned in the inspection report.

He said that if the government and the concerned departments accept and follow the recommendations, it would be possible to move forward. “First of all, we thank the government. Many of the points we raised have been taken into consideration,” he said.

The KSCA spokesperson clarified that due to severe time constraints, matches will be conducted without spectators. He said there will be no gathering of spectators either inside or outside the stadium. “The committee that visited today observed all aspects and will submit its final report to the government,” he added.

He also revealed that a letter was sent to the authorities on August 19, but no response was received. He said even the previous KSCA committee did not receive replies to two letters sent earlier.

He reiterated that providing spectator access is not feasible and that there is very limited time even for ticket printing. KSCA has conveyed this issue to the government and has attempted to bring it to the attention of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister.

He further said discussions are ongoing regarding the possibility of hosting IPL matches in the future. “We have already submitted a report to the government about conducting the Vijay Hazare Tournament. For now, we will have to wait a little longer to make any official announcement,” he said.