Virat Kohli is set to make a much-anticipated return to domestic cricket, with the former India captain likely to feature in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The development comes at a significant moment, as the historic venue has received conditional clearance from the Karnataka government, reopening its doors to competitive cricket after months of uncertainty.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium had been taken off the cricketing calendar following a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations in June, which claimed 11 lives. A judicial probe led by Justice John D’Cunha Commission later described the stadium as fundamentally unsafe for large-scale events, prompting authorities to suspend all matches at the venue.
The fallout saw Bengaluru lose several high-profile fixtures, including Women’s World Cup games. However, the Karnataka Cabinet has now granted in-principle approval for cricket to resume at the stadium, subject to the strict implementation of enhanced safety, security, and crowd-management protocols recommended by the commission.
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Newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad played a key role in advancing the process, holding discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and senior officials to facilitate cricket’s return to the venue.
This clearance could have an immediate and high-profile impact, with Kohli potentially turning out for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Due to security and logistical challenges at Alur, the KSCA is planning to shift Delhi’s group matches to Bengaluru. Kohli and Rishabh Pant have both been named in Delhi’s probable squad and are expected to be available for the opening three matches of the tournament.
Delhi are scheduled to face Andhra and Gujarat at the Chinnaswamy, raising the prospect of Kohli’s return to a ground where he built a legendary IPL legacy with RCB. To manage public interest and ensure safety, the KSCA is considering allowing a limited crowd of 2,000 to 3,000 spectators by opening select stands.
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Kohli’s domestic availability aligns with the BCCI’s directive urging centrally contracted players to participate in domestic competitions when international commitments allow. Fresh off a Player of the Series performance in India’s ODI series win over South Africa, Kohli is expected to significantly strengthen Delhi’s batting unit, while Pant will be eager to regain match rhythm after missing recent ODI outings.
