Virat Kohli is set to make a memorable return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but this time not for an IPL game or an international match – he will be playing for Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. This will be a big moment as the venue returns to hosting cricket after being shut down for months following a tragic stampede.

Chinnaswamy gets green light after months of shutdown

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been cleared to host cricket matches again after being closed since June 2025. The stadium was deemed “unfit for large-scale events” by the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, which investigated a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title victory celebrations earlier this year. That tragic incident killed 11 people and injured several others, leading to a complete ban on hosting matches at the venue.

Since then, the stadium has not held any top-flight cricket. The Karnataka State Cricket Association’s Maharaja Trophy was moved to Mysore in August, and the venue also lost the chance to host five ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches, including the final. But now, after talks between the new KSCA leadership and the Karnataka government, the stadium is ready to welcome fans and players again.

Virat Kohli to play at his RCB home ground

Virat Kohli, who is making his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, is likely to play all his Delhi matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Delhi’s Group D fixtures are scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, and with the venue back in action, Kohli will get to play domestic cricket at the same ground where he has scored so many runs for RCB over the years.

Both Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been named among the probables for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy squad and are expected to be available for the first three matches, starting December 24 against Andhra Pradesh. The KSCA, which will also host matches at the Alur Cricket Ground on the outskirts of the city, is planning to open a few stands at Chinnaswamy to accommodate 2,000–3,000 fans, given the star power of Kohli and Pant.

KSCA meets government, gets positive response

Newly-elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasunder met with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, and other government officials in Belagavi earlier this week. The conversations were positive and encouraging, with the government agreeing to allow matches at Chinnaswamy again, subject to strict crowd-management measures.

Deputy CM Shivakumar said after the state’s cabinet meeting on Friday: “To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly.” He added that the Home Minister will hold further discussions with the KSCA president and police officials to finalise security and safety plans.

The government has also made it clear that the KSCA must implement the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee’s recommendations in a phased manner. Prasad and the KSCA leadership have committed to making as many changes as feasible based on the report to ensure fan safety.

Eyes on IPL 2026 return

For the KSCA, hosting the Vijay Hazare Trophy is just the starting point. The real goal is to ensure Chinnaswamy does not lose its share of IPL 2026 matches next year. An office-bearer close to the developments told ESPNcricinfo: “We are on track for the IPL to be back.” RCB’s home ground is one of the most iconic venues in the IPL, and losing matches there would be a huge blow for both the franchise and fans.

Deputy CM Shivakumar made it clear that the government has “no intention of stopping cricket matches” but stressed that crowd-management measures need to be examined properly. The KSCA is expected to roll out D’Cunha’s recommendations step by step, starting with the Vijay Hazare Trophy and building up to IPL-level events.