The Karnataka government has granted permission to hold matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium and has also informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This permission comes a week after Venkatesh Prasad became the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association. Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasundaram met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other government officials during the state assembly session in Belagavi earlier this week. The meeting is reported to have been fruitful.
Virat Kohli can again play at Chinnaswamy stadium
The immediate consequence of this decision will be that Virat Kohli will be able to play at Chinnaswamy, as the KSCA is considering moving Delhi’s matches from Alur due to security and logistical reasons. Both Kohli and Rishabh Pant are part of Delhi’s squad for the Vijay Hazare Trophy and could be available for the first three matches.
Considering the possibility of two big Indian players playing, KSCA is also considering opening some of the stands of Chinnaswamy for the fans so that arrangements can be made for two thousand to three thousand fans to watch the game.
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In a meeting with government officials, the Prasad-led KSCA committee reiterated its commitment to implementing as many changes as possible from Justice John D’Cunha’s report. Hosting Vijay Hazare Trophy matches is being seen as a stepping stone as Prasad and the KSCA seek to ensure that Chinnaswamy is not deprived of hosting IPL matches.
An official aware of the developments said, “We are on the right track towards the return of the IPL.” After the state cabinet meeting on Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar said, “We have taken precautionary measures to avoid any future incidents and have granted permission accordingly. Home Minister G Parameshwara will discuss the matter with the KSCA president and police officials.”