The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has not received clearance to host the upcoming Maharaja T20 tournament, pushing the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) into a last-minute search for alternate venues. The tournament is scheduled to run from August 11 to 27, leaving the KSCA with just ten days to finalize new locations.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the stadium has been at the centre of controversy following a tragic stampede on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. The incident, which occurred near the stadium, left 11 dead and over 50 injured. With an independent CID investigation still ongoing, police have withheld permission to host matches at the venue.
Anticipating potential hurdles, the KSCA had already announced on July 11 that the tournament would be held behind closed doors. Now, with the stadium unavailable, the association is exploring other options, including its Alur facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru and the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru.
While Alur offers excellent infrastructure and drainage, the lack of floodlights remains a concern for broadcasters hoping to televise matches. Still, Alur is expected to host the group stage of the Maharani T20, a six-day women’s tournament starting August 4.
The KSCA had planned to stage the Maharani T20 final at Chinnaswamy, but that now looks unlikely with police clearance still pending.
The sudden change in plans has led to frustration among participating teams, many of whom had already booked accommodation and logistics assuming the tournament would take place in central Bengaluru. Now, they face potential financial losses due to the venue shift.
Adding to the complexity, Bengaluru is also set to host major fixtures of the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, including the opening match, one semifinal, and the final — putting even more pressure on the KSCA as it navigates the ongoing investigation.
As the countdown to the Maharaja T20 continues, the KSCA is working against the clock to ensure the tournament proceeds without further disruption.
