BCCI’s decision to remove Virat Kohli Vijay Hazare Trophy matches As is now evident from the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE), security and compliance issues are emerging as the decisive factors behind this change. Kohli’s high-profile comeback was initially expected in front of a home crowd, but it unfolded quietly behind closed doors on the outskirts of the city.
Virat Kohli’s anticipated return to Chinnaswamy that never happened
Initial reports suggested that Kohli This will mark his return to competitive cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was initially listed as the host venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures.
It has emotional significance for Bengaluru fans. After months of uncertainty following the June 4 stampede outside the stadium, Kohli’s return to domestic cricket was seen as a symbolic step towards reclaiming the ground for major matches.
Instead, the opening match against Andhra Pradesh was quietly shifted to the BCCI Center of Excellence, with no spectators allowed.
Government and police refused to allow Chinnaswamy
The primary reason behind the relocation was the Karnataka government and police’s refusal to allow matches to be hosted at Chinnaswamy. Following the deadly stampede in June, a government-appointed inspection committee assessed the stadium’s preparedness and found serious shortcomings.
According to media reports, several important crowd-safety recommendations – including new entry and exit gates, proper queuing areas, evacuation planning, parking management and pedestrian flow – have not been implemented. Without these deficiencies resolved, officials deemed the venue unsafe for large gatherings.
Based on this assessment, the Home Ministry refused to grant clearance for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy, especially as crowd-pullers like Kohli and Rishabh Pant were expected to attract massive attendances in the festive season.
Why did BCCI choose Center of Excellence?
Following Chinnaswamy’s exit, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was directed to shift all Vijay Hazare events to the Bengaluru-based Center of Excellence near the Aerospace Park. The CoE has recently hosted Duleep Trophy and India A matches without spectators, making it a low-risk option.
Officials believe the CoE offers strict security controls, limited access points and a secure short-term solution while Chinnaswamy undergoes structural upgrades and compliance checks.
Kohli gave masterclass in COE despite empty stands
While the crowd was missing, there was no cricket. Kohli took to the CoE and reminded everyone why the 50-over format remains his comfort zone.
Chasing 299 runs, he played a brilliant inning of 131 runs in 101 balls, completing his half-century in just 39 balls and his century in 83 balls.
…
1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ runs
1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ balls
1️⃣4️⃣ four
3️⃣ sixesVirat Kohli’s brilliant innings led Delhi to a 4️⃣-wicket win against Andhra.
He also scored 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in men’s List A cricket. @IDFCFIRSTBANK , @imVkohli , pic.twitter.com/kCfdl3yux1
– BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) 24 December 2025
Delhi scored 300/6 in 37.4 overs, leaving Ricky Bhui’s innings of 122 for Andhra Pradesh a mere footnote.
The only thing missing from the performance was the roar of the packed stadium.
