Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches Shifted from Chinnaswamy Amid Security Fears Post-RCB Stampede
Digital Desk
All Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures scheduled in Bengaluru have been relocated from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) due to ongoing security concerns stemming from the tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebrations in June.
A Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) official confirmed the directive came from the state home ministry. Matches will proceed behind closed doors, with no spectators allowed.

The decision affects Delhi's opener against Andhra Pradesh on December 24, featuring Virat Kohli—returning to domestic 50-over cricket after 15 years—and captain Rishabh Pant.
Both teams shifted practice sessions to the CoE accordingly.
The June 4 incident saw 11 fans die and dozens injured in a crowd crush outside Chinnaswamy during RCB's maiden IPL title parade after defeating Punjab Kings.
It prompted stricter protocols, including relocating Women's World Cup games from the venue.
The CoE, which previously hosted Duleep Trophy and India A matches without crowds, steps in again.
Chinnaswamy remains sidelined for major events pending full implementation of inquiry recommendations.
Other stars like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Abhishek Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav feature in the tournament, though international commitments may limit some.
Defending champions Karnataka, led by Mayank Agarwal, open against Jharkhand in Ahmedabad on December 23.
