BCCI Relocates Bengaluru Matches from KSCA Venue
BENGALURU: The hosting of cricket matches in Bengaluru faces significant challenges following a tragic stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident has led to the cancellation of the three-match one-day series between India โAโ and South Africa โAโ, originally set for November 13 to 19. In a recent announcement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that these matches will now take place in Rajkot, although the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President stated that the venue change is not directly related to the stampede.
### Venue Changes and Future Matches
The decision to move the India โAโ and South Africa โAโ series was communicated to the KSCA on Thursday. While the limited-overs matches have been shifted away from Bengaluru, the two multi-day red-ball matches between the teams will still proceed as scheduled at the BCCIโs Centre of Excellence, located near the airport on the outskirts of the city. This situation raises concerns about the future of cricket in Bengaluru, especially as the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) assess the implications for upcoming ICC Womenโs World Cup matches, which are slated to occur in the city between September and November. The Chinnaswamy Stadium is earmarked for hosting crucial fixtures, including the opening match featuring India.
### Concerns for Women’s World Cup Matches
The possibility of relocating Womenโs World Cup matches from Bengaluru could have lasting repercussions for the local cricket scene. As articulated by former India captain Shantha Rangaswamy, the impact of such a shift would be severe, especially considering the limited growth of womenโs cricket in the region over the last few years. Rangaswamy emphasized that losing these matches would be a significant setback for the sport in Karnataka, which has a rich cricketing tradition.
### Damage Assessment and Future Hosting
The aftermath of the stampede has prompted discussions regarding the necessary renovations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Sources indicate that the stadium sustained considerable damage during the incident, necessitating repairs to various structures, including compound walls, railings, and sanitation facilities. As a result, it appears unlikely that the KSCA will host major cricket matches in the near future. The association may need to implement significant upgrades to ensure the safety and comfort of fans before resuming its role as a host venue for high-profile events.
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