Last Updated:
M Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host KSCA’s K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy matches. The action returns to the venue for the first time since June 4 stampede tragedy.
Representative photo.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is set to host its first game since the tragic stampede on June 4 that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. The stadium will be one of the venues for the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy, a red-ball pre-season tournament featuring 16 teams.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Chinnaswamy stadium will host six matches, including a semi-final and the final, from September 26. However, in view of safety concerns, fans will not be allowed inside.
Teams from Mumbai, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal and Chhattisgarh are among the participants. Thus, the tournament will see several well-known Indian players in action, including Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Venkatesh Iyer, Vijay Shankar and Shashank Singh.
The development comes even as investigations continue into the June incident. The Karnataka government and the state police, all of whom have been under investigation, along with the franchise, by a one-man tribunal following the June 4 incident.
Meanwhile, the venue has also faced hurdles with local authorities. The electricity board (BESCOM) disconnected the power supply due to non-compliance with fire safety regulations, forcing the stadium to rely on generators and solar power. Lack of clearance meant Chinnaswamy lost out on hosting Women’s World Cup matches, including the opener, a semi-final and the November 2 final.
Recently, RCB announced financial assistance of ₹25 lakh to the families of the victims and pledged long-term efforts to improve crowd safety.
Earlier, the Maharaja Trophy T20 competition was shifted to Mysore after Bengaluru police refused permission, citing safety concerns.
Following the tragedy, a government-appointed committee deemed Chinnaswamy “unsafe” for large-scale events. In response, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced plans for a new 60,000-capacity stadium as part of a 75-acre sports complex in Bengaluru’s outskirts.
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
September 05, 2025, 08:51 IST
Read More
