Virat Kohli & Rishabh Pant could play Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) breathed a sigh of relief yesterday, as the Karnataka cabinet granted the cricket board permission to host matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Just a week after, KSCA elected Venkatesh Pradesh as the new president.

In the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede, which left 11 dead and around 50 injured, the venue was deemed unfit for mass gatherings, and KSCA was informed it would remain so unless it presented a proper plan to improve structural and safety issues. It appears the Bengaluru government is satisfied with the KSCA’s vision.

Virat Kohli to make M Chinnaswamy Stadium return

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host home matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but even before that, Virat Kohli could make a return to the venue.

According to ESPNcricinfo, there’s a high chance that KSCA will move Delhi’s matches in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) from Alur. Since both Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been included in the probable squad for Delhi, hosting matches at a smaller venue will pose security and logistical challenges.

Although Kohli and Pant could feature in the first 3 matches. It’s expected that KSCA might reopen the stands as well. It’s expected that about 2000 to 3000 spectators could be allowed in the premises. Making it the first match since the June tragedy, when the crowd will be allowed inside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

KSCA hasn’t been allowed to host any matches at the venue since the Maharaja Trophy got shifted to Mysore in August, and they also lost out on hosting the 2025 ODI Women’s World Cup matches, including the final, due to the ongoing impasse.

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