The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is still waiting for the permission of the police to host the state's franchise-based T20 competition at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The two -week tournament is going to run from 11 August to 27 August.
Police clearance delay stems from the ongoing investigation in a stampede on 4 June which took place during the Chinnaswamy campus. Royal Challengers BangaloreS (RCB) IPL victory ceremony. The tragic incident resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries, and is currently being investigated by an independent CID investigation.
On 11 July, KSCA announced that Maharaja T20 would be played behind closed doors. However, under the investigation still with the venue, the association is now searching for alternative options, including its convenience in Aloor, on the outskirts of Bangalore, and the Vedyar Ground in Mysuru. While Alur claims excellent infrastructure and drainage, it lacks flood lights and spectators, which offers important challenges for broadcasters and franchises.
So far, Alaur is set to host the group matches of the six-day women's T20 competition Maharani T20 from August 4. KSCA initially considering staging the women's finals at Chinnaswamy, but it seems that the approval of the police is still pending.
Uncertainty has created disappointment among the franchisees, who have already made a hotel booking and logical arrangements that the tournament will take place in Central Bengaluru. Late venue switch can result in significant financial losses.
KSCA finds itself in a difficult position, especially scheduled to host major fixtures in the upcoming female ODI World Cup with Bengaluru, including the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on 30 September, a semi-finals and possibly two warm-up matches.
However, a recent report by the Government of Karnataka appointed the Chinnaswamy Stadium insecure for large-scale programs, recommended that such events should be transferred to better places to handle large crowds.
Meanwhile, the domestic season-opening Dilip Trophy will now be fully played at the BCCI's Center of Excellence. The board initially planned to host the final in Chinnaswamy, but those schemes were sheltered due to the women's World Cup and preparations for security concerns.
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