Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy Return Hit by Last-Minute Venue Change in Bengaluru
The Bengaluru police will oversee security around the Aerospace Park precinct, where the Centre of Excellence is located.
Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Return Hit by Last-Minute Venue Change in Bengaluru
Ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has shifted the venue of Delhi’s opening 50-over match against Andhra from the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), a change of plans for Virat Kohli and his teammates.
The move comes a day before the fixture, as security concerns prompted the Karnataka home ministry to notify the KSCA on Tuesday about the need to relocate all fixtures slated at the Chinnaswamy. Originally set to feature Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Chinnaswamy in a competitive match for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the relocation means the batter will instead take the field at the CoE without the familiar roar of the home crowd.
Both the Delhi and Andhra teams were informed ahead of their scheduled training sessions and preparations have shifted to the Centre of Excellence later on Tuesday afternoon. This is the second instance in recent weeks where KSCA has had to alter the venue, having previously moved matches involving Kohli and Rishabh Pant due to logistical and security issues.
Bengaluru authorities have mandated that all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in the city be held behind closed doors, denying spectators a rare opportunity to watch elite players up close this holiday season. The Bengaluru police will oversee security around the Aerospace Park precinct, where the Centre of Excellence is located.
The KSCA had initially hoped to open select stands at the Chinnaswamy, accommodating up to 2,000–3,000 fans, but government opposition led to the proposal being shelved.
This season is Kohli’s first appearance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy since 2010, a return underscored by his recent prolific form, including being named Player of the Series against South Africa after two centuries and an unbeaten fifty.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also issued directives requiring centrally contracted players to feature in at least two Vijay Hazare rounds before India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11, adding context to Kohli’s participation.
Delhi’s campaign begins with logistical uncertainty, but much anticipation surrounds Kohli’s contribution as domestic cricket intensifies ahead of another packed international season.
Source: Hindustan Times