Chinnaswamy in Limbo: No Police Clearance Yet for Maharaja T20 Amid Safety Concerns

The iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, long considered the heartbeat of cricket in Karnataka, is facing a cloud of uncertainty ahead of the Maharaja Trophy T20. With the tournament scheduled to begin on August 11, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is yet to receive the crucial police clearance required to host matches at the venue. The delay has thrown the tournament’s logistics into disarray and has forced the organizers to consider alternative venues.

The hesitation stems from the tragic stampede that occurred outside the stadium on June 4, when celebrations for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory turned deadly. Eleven people lost their lives, and over 50 were injured, triggering a government inquiry and a CID investigation into the venue’s crowd management protocols. A one‑man committee later declared the venue “unsafe” for large-scale events, prompting authorities to withhold clearance for any public gatherings until safety lapses are fully addressed.

KSCA initially proposed that the Maharaja Trophy be held behind closed doors to avoid large crowds, but even that plan hasn’t secured official approval. Franchise teams and organizers now face growing concerns, as travel, accommodation, and broadcast arrangements were all made assuming Chinnaswamy would serve as the main venue.

With time running out, KSCA is evaluating backup options. The Alur grounds, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru, offer good pitches and drainage but lack floodlights and seating for spectators. The Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru has also emerged as a potential alternative. While these venues can keep the tournament alive, they lack the infrastructure and aura of Chinnaswamy, potentially impacting viewership and revenue.

The stakes are high, not just for the Maharaja Trophy. The stadium is also slated to host major fixtures in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, including India’s clash with Sri Lanka on September 20 and a semi-final. A continued lack of clearance could force organizers to rethink not just domestic tournaments, but also international fixtures, posing reputational and financial risks for KSCA.

For now, the fate of the Maharaja Trophy hangs in the balance. What was expected to be a celebration of Karnataka’s vibrant T20 talent has instead become a test of the state’s ability to balance sports enthusiasm with public safety. Until the police provide the green light, one of India’s most storied cricket venues remains silent, uncertain, and under scrutiny.