Virat Kohli's Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy likely to be held behind closed doors

Virat Kohli’s return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the Vijay Hazare Trophy will be behind closed doors, with spectators unlikely to be allowed owing to security concerns. The Karnataka government is set to issue a directive to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to organise the fixtures without spectators.

The KSCA was initially mulling to open two stands for the public, which would have accommodated at least 2000-3000 spectators. However, the proposal was vehemently opposed by the government due to security and compliance issues, not least because of the stature of the players involved, as well as the ongoing holiday season.

Kohli and Rishabh Pant’s availability for the first two fixtures had forced the KSCA to move the games from Alur to the Chinnaswamy to avoid logistical issues. Following KSCA’s plea, a government-appointed committee, including police officials, public works and fire safety departments, inspected the stadium on Monday. The G Parameshwara-led committee is set to submit its findings in a formal report on Tuesday; however, it is believed that the fate of the fixture is unlikely to change, as the government has adopted a cautious approach regarding the presence of spectators at the venue.

Kohli and Pant touched down in Bengaluru on Monday and are expected to train with the Delhi squad ahead of their campaign opener against Andhra. Kohli will set foot at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since the tragic June 4 stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory celebrations, which claimed the lives of 11 and left several severely injured.

There has been no top-flight cricket at the venue in the aftermath of the tragedy, with the BCCI forced to shift five women's World Cup matches, including the final. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has also been excluded from the list of venues for the T20 World Cup 2026.

Since Venkatesh Prasad took charge as KSCA president earlier in the month, significant efforts have been made to bring back cricket at the venue, including the IPL. Multiple meetings involving the stakeholders and government officials have been conducted to address the safety issues raised by Justice John Michael D'Cunha report, which labelled the venue highly unsafe for large gatherings.

DK Shivkumar, Karnataka’s deputy chief minister, has been one of the prominent voices about cricket’s return to the venue to "restore the pride of Bangalore."