Karnataka cabinet approves IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium: Details here
What's the story
The Karnataka Cabinet has given a conditional nod for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The approval comes after a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) victory celebrations on June 4, which had claimed the lives of 11 people. The KSCA can only host matches if it fully implements recommendations made by the Justice D'Cunha Commission and follows a 17-point standard operating procedure (SOP).
Venue concerns
Infrastructure deficiencies and match hosting rights
The stampede incident had exposed major infrastructure deficiencies at Chinnaswamy Stadium. As a result, the state government and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revoked all permissions for matches there, including Women's World Cup fixtures. However, the Cabinet's decision is likely to allow KSCA to host IPL matches again.
Leadership transition
KSCA's commitment to restore international cricket
Newly-elected KSCA president and former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. He requested that match-hosting rights at Chinnaswamy Stadium be restored. The state police department had earlier flagged 17 mandatory requirements that need to be met before the venue can be reassessed for international matches.
Safety enhancements
Commission's report highlights need for improved safety measures
The Commission's report stressed on better parking facilities, separate entry and exit routes for spectators, disaster management zones, bag scanners at all gates, police verification of in-stadium stakeholders, real-time crowd flow monitoring system, permanent medical facilities and audits of fire extinguishers, electrical equipment and player access points. The stampede incident had caused major embarrassment to the state government with several top city police officers being sacked soon after.
Kohli
Virat Kohli likely to play at Chinnaswamy on VHT return
Virat Kohli, the talismanic Indian cricketer, is likely to play some of Delhi's Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at his IPL home ground, Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as per ESPNcricinfo. The Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) confirmed Kohli's participation in the tournament. This comes after the Karnataka government permitted competitive matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time since the tragic stampede incident.