The upcoming Ranji Trophy final has been shifted from Bengaluru’s M.Chinnaswamy Stadium to the KSCA Cricket Stadium in Hubballi. The five-day match is scheduled to start on February 24. This decision was officially announced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) after thorough evaluation and consultation with the BCCI.
Why is Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final moving to Hubballi?
An overview of the two main reasons why the final moved to Hubballi:
| Primary Cause | Details |
|---|---|
| Security Improvements Continued at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Extensive infrastructure and security enhancement works are being carried out at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium based on the recommendations of the expert committee appointed by the state. As part of these improvements, several spectator gates and access points are being removed and expanded. The KSCA believes that hosting a marquee event like the Ranji Trophy Final during construction will affect both the viewing quality of the match and the comfort of the spectators. |
| A strategic vision to promote cricket outside Bengaluru | The newly elected KSCA Management Committee, headed by former Indian cricketer and President Venkatesh Prasad, aims to take the big domestic matches to regional centers across Karnataka. Hosting the final in Hubballi supports this plan to expand cricket’s reach, increase regional fan engagement and strengthen the sports ecosystem beyond Bengaluru. |
This is a significant step that allows cricket fans in the Hubbali-Dharwad region to witness the first domestic final at their doorstep. This year’s final is particularly special because of its features KarnatakaThe eight-time champions are up against a historic encounter in their first Ranji Trophy final since 2014-15 Jammu and Kashmir The top-flight side clashed for the first time in 67 years since BTSO took membership.
Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Final: Squads
Jammu and Kashmir: Paras Dogra (c), Abdul Samad.
Karnataka: Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal (c), Karun Nair, Smaran R, Shreyas Gopal, Krutik Krishna, Vidwath Kaverappa, Vidyadhar Patil, Prasidh Krishna, Mohsin Khan, Shikhar Shetty, Shrijith KL, Vyshak V .
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