BTSO’s decision to transport Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy matches From Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE), security and compliance issues have emerged as crucial factors behind the change. What was initially expected to be a high-profile comeback for Kohli in front of his home crowd instead unfolded quietly behind closed doors on the outskirts of the city.
Virat Kohli’s expected return to Chinnaswamy never materialized
Initial reports suggested so Kohli would return to competitive cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, originally listed as the venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy.
It had an emotional significance for the Bengaluru fans. Kohli’s return to domestic cricket after months of uncertainty following the stampede outside the stadium on June 4 was seen as a symbolic step towards paving the way for major matches.
Instead, the opening match against Andhra Pradesh was quietly shifted to the BCCI Center of Excellence, with no spectators allowed.
The government and the police deny permission to Chinnaswamy
The main reason for the relocation was that the Karnataka government and police did not allow matches to be held at Chinnaswamy. After the deadly stampede in June, a government-appointed inspection committee assessed the stadium’s preparation and found serious deficiencies.
According to media reports, several critical crowd safety recommendations, including new entrances and exits, proper queuing zones, evacuation planning, parking management and pedestrian flow, have not been implemented. As these deficiencies were not remedied, the authorities deemed the place unsafe for large gatherings.
Based on this assessment, the Home Ministry has denied approval for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy, especially where crowds like Kohli and Rishabh Pant are expected to attend the massive festive season.
Why did BCTI choose the Center of Excellence?
Barring Chinnaswamy, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been instructed to shift all Bengaluru-based Vijay Hazare facilities to the Center of Excellence near the Aerospace Park. The AEC recently held Duleep Trophy and India A matches behind closed doors, making it a proven low-risk option.
Officials felt the JSC offered tighter security controls, limited access points and a more secure short-term solution while Chinnaswamy underwent structural improvements and compliance checks.
Kohli gives a master class at CoE despite empty stands
Although the crowd was missing, the cricket was not. Kohli walked into the CE and reminded everyone why the 50-over format remains his comfort zone.
Chasing 299, he smashed 131 off 101 balls, bringing up his fifty in just 39 balls and his hundred in 83 balls.
𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐥 😎
1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ run
1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ balls
1️⃣4️⃣ four
3 sixesTerrific knock from Virat Kohli to lead Delhi to a 4-wicket win against Andhra 👏
He also completed 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in Men’s List A cricket 🫡 @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli |… pic.twitter.com/kCfdl3yux1
— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 24, 2025
Delhi reached 300/6 in 37.4 overs and Ricky Bhui’s 122 for Andhra Pradesh was a mere mention.
The only thing missing from the show was the roar of a packed stadium.
