Cricket’s biggest names may take the field in near silence at Bengaluru’s iconic venue. The Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh is likely to be staged without spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, even with Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant in the spotlight.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), newly constituted and led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, has formally approached the state government seeking clearance to host the game. The response so far has been cautious, shaped by safety concerns stemming from a tragic stampede near the stadium earlier this year.
Safety First After June Tragedy
Following the June 4 incident that claimed 11 lives, the Home Department has directed a multi-departmental committee to assess the venue’s readiness. Officials from Bengaluru Police, Health Services, Fire and Emergency Services, BWSSB, and the Public Works Department are jointly evaluating compliance with updated safety protocols.
Their report is expected shortly, but early indications suggest that permission—if granted—will come with strict conditions. A spectator-free match is seen as the most viable option to mitigate risk while allowing the tournament to proceed.
KSCA Open to Empty-Stands Solution
KSCA has indicated its willingness to host the match without fans if that ensures approval. A spokesperson reiterated that player safety and operational security remain the association’s top priorities, with all recommended measures set to be implemented.
From a cricketing perspective, the optics are striking. A Delhi side led by Rishabh Pant and featuring Virat Kohli is guaranteed attention, even without packed galleries. If the contest unfolds behind closed doors, it will underline a recurring theme in modern cricket—where star power meets the realities of crowd management and safety.
For fans, the atmosphere may be missing, but the narrative won’t be. A Kohli-Pant domestic outing, even in empty stands, is still likely to resonate far beyond the boundary ropes.
