Bengaluru: Fans hoping to watch Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium are likely to be disappointed, as the Karnataka government is expected to order that Delhi’s matches be held behind closed doors due to security concerns. The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of the stadium following a tragic stampede earlier this year.

Virat Kohli, one of India’s biggest cricketing icons, is set to feature for Delhi in the domestic one-day tournament, marking his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy. The matches were scheduled to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is also Kohli’s home ground in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, fans may not be allowed inside the venue if the government’s proposed restrictions are enforced.

Government likely to deny permission for spectators

According to reports, the Karnataka government is inclined to instruct the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to conduct Delhi’s matches without spectators. The decision is reportedly driven by concerns over crowd management and public safety, particularly during the holiday season when turnout is expected to be high.

Authorities are wary of potential chaos due to the presence of star players such as Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, both of whom command massive fan followings. Officials fear that even limited public access could trigger overcrowding and security risks in and around the stadium.

Stadium under scrutiny after IPL stampede

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has remained under close scrutiny since a stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 trophy parade earlier this year claimed 11 lives and left several others injured. The tragic incident raised serious questions about crowd control measures and emergency preparedness at large-scale sporting events.

Following the incident, a commission headed by Justice John Michael D’Cunha was appointed by the Karnataka government to probe the matter. The commission reportedly described the stadium as “unfit for large-scale events” until adequate safety measures are put in place. Since then, the venue has not hosted any top-tier cricket matches.

KSCA’s efforts to accommodate fans fall short

In an attempt to strike a balance between fan interest and safety, the KSCA had earlier proposed opening two stands at the stadium. This arrangement would have allowed around 2,000 to 3,000 spectators to attend the matches. However, the proposal was reportedly rejected by the state government, citing security concerns and compliance issues.

KSCA officials have maintained that they are willing to adhere to any directives issued by the authorities. They had also shifted Delhi’s matches from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier to manage logistical challenges associated with hosting high-profile players like Kohli and Pant.

Inspection by multi-department committee

Following a formal request from the KSCA, the Karnataka government constituted a committee comprising officials from the police, public works department, and fire safety services. The committee conducted a detailed inspection of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Monday to assess its readiness for hosting matches.

The panel is expected to submit its report on Tuesday. Sources indicate that the report is likely to endorse the prevailing view that matches should be conducted behind closed doors until all safety concerns are comprehensively addressed.

Backup venue kept ready

In the event that police permission is denied for hosting matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly kept its Centre of Excellence (CoE) on standby as a backup venue. This contingency plan is aimed at ensuring that the tournament schedule proceeds without disruption.

Delhi’s squad, including Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, arrived in the city on Monday night, underscoring the urgency of a final decision on the venue and spectator access.

Impact on domestic cricket fans

The prospect of matches being held behind closed doors has disappointed cricket fans, many of whom were eager to watch Kohli in domestic action. Kohli’s participation in the Vijay Hazare Trophy has generated significant excitement, given his limited appearances in domestic tournaments in recent years.

Cricket analysts note that Kohli’s presence not only boosts fan interest but also brings greater visibility to domestic competitions. However, they acknowledge that safety considerations must take precedence, especially in the aftermath of the earlier tragedy.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy was expected to be a major draw for cricket enthusiasts, but concerns over security and crowd management may deprive fans of the opportunity to watch him live at the stadium. With the Karnataka government prioritising public safety and a final report awaited from the inspection committee, the likelihood of matches being played behind closed doors appears high. While the decision may dampen fan enthusiasm, authorities maintain that ensuring safety and preventing a repeat of past incidents remains paramount.