Virat Kohli to play Vijay Hazare Trophy in Bengaluru:RCB likely to compete in Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026; court-imposed ban after stampede incident

Cricket is all set to return to Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium after a long break caused by safety concerns. The stadium had been under a court ban following a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) IPL victory parade earlier this year. With fresh permission from the state government, the stadium is now preparing to host competitive cricket again. The return of matches has also raised hopes for the comeback of IPL games in Bengaluru. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has informed the BCCI about the government’s approval and is working closely with authorities to ensure better safety arrangements. For cricket fans, the biggest attraction will be Virat Kohli, who is expected to play Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium after a gap of 15 years. Government clears matches at Chinnaswamy KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and vice president Sujith Somasundar recently met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and senior officials in Belagavi. The meeting ended on a positive note, and permission was granted to conduct matches at the stadium. Due to security and logistical reasons, Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches are now likely to be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium instead of Alur. Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant, both named in Delhi’s squad, may be available for the first three matches. KSCA is also planning to allow 2,000 to 3,000 spectators for these matches as a controlled and safe start. Kohli’s return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years Virat Kohli last played a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in February 2010 against Services. The upcoming tournament, starting from December 24 in Ahmedabad, will see Kohli return to domestic one-day cricket. He now plays only in the ODI format for India, having retired from T20Is on June 29, 2024, and Tests on May 12, 2025. IPL return looks promising in Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru Earlier, the Justice John D’Cunha Committee had declared the stadium unsafe for major events during the Women’s World Cup. KSCA has now assured that all issues mentioned in the report will be fixed soon. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said all precautionary measures have been taken and further discussions will be held with the police and KSCA officials. An official confirmed that IPL’s return to Bengaluru is on track. IPL 2026 is likely to begin on March 15, with the final expected on May 31. A mini auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Tragic Bengaluru stampede still fresh in memory During RCB’s IPL victory celebration on June 4, a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people. Since then, no major matches have been held at the venue. The Maharaja Trophy was shifted to Mysore, and the stadium also lost the chance to host five Women’s World Cup matches, including the final.