RCB's Chinnaswamy Stadium banned by Indian Board

The Karnataka State Cricket Association must consider alternative venues for the Maharaja T20, as the RCB home ground, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, has been deemed unsafe for hosting large-scale events.

Last week, the one-man committee set up by the Karnataka Government to investigate the stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium deemed the venue unsafe for any large-scale events. The report submitted by the commission strongly recommended that large-scale events should not be held in the future in this venue and should be relocated to venues that are 'better suited' to handle that much traffic.

The BCCI, which had earlier considered holding the Duleep Trophy final at the Chinnaswamy, also had to switch the venue because of a sudden change in plans, according to the report submitted on the grounds' condition.

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RCB's Chinnaswamy Stadium declared unsafe

The Karnataka Cricket Association, which decided to host the Maharaja T20 League at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, is yet to get clearance from the State Police department. The tournament is scheduled to be held between August 11th and August 27th.

The non-clearance is primarily due to the ongoing investigation into the Stampede around the Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB's IPL title win celebrations. RCB's greatest day turned into a nightmare, as the incident marked the death of 11 people, and over 50 others were left critically injured.

RCB, as well as the Karnataka State Cricket Association, was considered guilty of the mismanagement, while the event organising company, as well as several on-duty Police officials, also had to bear the toll of the heart-wrenching incident.

KSCA looks for alternate venues to host the Maharaja T20 League

Anticipating that there will be several hurdles to hosting the upcoming edition of the Maharaj T20 League at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka Cricket Association announced on July 11th that it will be played behind closed doors.

Also, the board is considering alternative venues for the hosting of the tournament. They are likely looking forward to their own facilities, one at Alur on the outskirts of Bengaluru and the other being Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru.

While Alur is known to have excellent drainage and infrastructure, which seems necessary, especially at this time of the year when rains are prevalent, the absence of floodlights and spectator seating is a major issue, especially for the broadcasters.

As of now, Alur has been decided to host the group stage matches of the Maharani T20, which is the women's competition, from the 4th of August. The final, which was considered to be held in Chinnaswamy, is now in doubt.

KSCA to bear financial punch after late venue switch for Maharaja T20

The late venue switch has been troublesome for the KSCA, as it would cause immense financial losses for the cricket board. They have reportedly booked hotels for the players and the staff on the understanding that the entire tournament will be held in Bengaluru at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

However, the doubts have been posed ever since the RCB Stampede halted their plans. The KSCA was also considering Chinnaswamy for the opening game of the Women's ODI World Cup, as well as one semi-final and possibly the final as well.

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