Vijay Hazare Trophy match: Permission denied for Delhi vs Andhra at Bengaluru Stadium; Virat Kohli set to play

BENGALURU: Permission has not been given for Wednesday’s match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, police commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said on Tuesday during a press conference.

He said a committee appointed by the authorities inspected the stadium on Monday and, based on its findings, permission for Wednesday’s match was refused.


As a result, the Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh will not be held at the stadium. India batter Virat Kohli was set to play the match for Delhi.

Earlier, As Virat Kohli returns to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a 15-year gap, the question of allowing spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains unresolved. Kohli is set to play for Delhi against Andhra Pradesh on December 24 and against Gujarat on December 26 at the same venue. Both matches were initially scheduled at the KSCA Alur Stadium on the city outskirts but were shifted to the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to security concerns linked to Kohli’s participation.

City police said they have not yet granted permission for spectators. Although the stadium has hosted a few domestic matches in recent months, fans were not allowed following a stampede outside the venue on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s celebrations after winning their maiden IPL trophy.

“The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) approached Cubbon Park police seeking permission for the match. We have given a written reply stating that no permission will be granted unless all safety recommendations of the Justice John Michael Cunha commission are implemented,” a senior officer said.

Once KSCA complies with the recommendations, the government will form an expert committee, possibly including a judge, an IAS officer, and others, to review the situation. A police officer is expected to be part of the committee. The committee’s report will guide the government’s decision on allowing matches with spectators.

“Only after that will permission for the game be considered. There are just four days left for these procedures,” the officer added.

KSCA has reportedly sought government approval to host a limited number of ticketed spectators for both matches.

“On August 19, the KSCA received a letter from Cubbon Park police to implement the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission. There was no response until the new KSCA committee took over. We responded on December 8 and are in consultation with the police to implement the recommendations. We will put in our best efforts to get permission, but as of now, there is no official confirmation. We will abide by the police department’s decision,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, KSCA spokesperson.