The Indian cricket’s star player, Virat Kohli, is once again participating in the domestic Vijay Hazare Trophy whose fifteen years journey has been completed successfully. Kohli was last seen in this tournament on February 18, 2010. This year, the event will kick off on December 24, with the first match between Andhra Pradesh and Delhi at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Kohli, the Delhi player, was seen arriving in Bengaluru for the opening match on Monday night.
On the other hand, it is a letdown for the audience that had the expectations of seeing again Kohli in the games. The Karnataka government has instructed the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to conduct the matches without any spectators for security reasons. The KSCA’s plea to the government to allow 2,000-3,000 fans into two stands was refused on the ground that the Christmas season might attract large and consequently unmanageable crowds.
A committee including the GBA Commissioner and the city police Commissioner, fire and emergency services, and health department officials will do an inspection of Chinnaswamy Stadium. The government will decide if any more spectators will be allowed based on the report they submit.
Chinnaswamy Stadium last had a public match when the sad stampede during the Under-19 Asia Cup final resulted in 11 dead and many injured after the Royal Challengers Bangalore held a party celebrating their 2025 IPL championship. Presently, matches are allowed, but it depends on the future approvals that the spectators have to wait for.
Key Points:
- Virat Kohli returns to Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years.
- Chinnaswamy Stadium to host Andhra vs Delhi starting Dec 24.
- No fans allowed due to security concerns.
- Government committee to inspect stadium for future matches.
- Previous crowd tragedy in Under-19 Asia Cup highlighted safety risks.
