Reason behind BCCI to shift Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches from Chinnaswamy to CoE

The BCCI’s decision to move Virat Kohli’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Matches from the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) has now been clarified, with safety and compliance issues emerging as the deciding factors behind the shift. What was initially expected to be a high-profile comeback for Kohli in front of the home crowd instead unfolded quietly behind closed doors on the outskirts of the city.

Virat Kohli’s expected return to Chinnaswamy that never happened

Early reports suggested so Kohli would make his return to competitive cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was initially listed as the host venue for Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy matches.

For Bengaluru fans, this had emotional significance. 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 regaining ground for big matches.

Instead, the opening match against Andhra Pradesh was quietly shifted to the BCCI Center of Excellence, with no spectators allowed.

Government and police refuse permission for Chinnaswamy

The main reason behind the move was that the Karnataka government and police refused permission to organize matches in Chinnaswamy. After the fatal stampede in June, a government-appointed inspection committee assessed the stadium’s readiness and found serious deficiencies.

According to media reports, several crucial recommendations for crowd safety – including new entry and exit gates, proper queuing areas, evacuation planning, parking management and pedestrian flow – have not been implemented. Because these deficiencies remained unresolved, authorities deemed the location unsafe for large gatherings.

Based on this assessment, the Home Ministry denied approval for Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Chinnaswamy, especially as crowd pullers like Kohli and Rishabh Pant were expected to draw massive crowds during the festive season.

Why did the BCCI choose the Center of Excellence?

With Chinnaswamy ruled out, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was ordered to shift all Bengaluru-based Vijay Hazare matches to the Center of Excellence near Aerospace Park. The CoE recently organized Duleep Trophy and India A matches without spectators, making it a proven, low-risk option.

Authorities felt that the CoE offered stricter security controls, limited access points and a safer short-term solution while Chinnaswamy undergoes structural upgrades and compliance checks.

Kohli gives masterclass at CoE despite empty stands

Although the crowd was missing, the cricket was not. Kohli walked into the CoE and reminded everyone why the 50-plus format remains his comfort zone.

Chasing 299, he hit a whopping 131 off 101 balls, bringing up his fifty in just 39 deliveries and his hundred in 83 balls.

Also READ: Virat Kohli equals Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary performance in his Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 return for Delhi

𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐊𝐨𝐡𝐥𝐢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 😎

1️⃣3️⃣1️⃣ rides
1️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ balls
Celebrating 1️⃣4️⃣
3️⃣ sixes

A great knock from Virat Kohli as he guided Delhi to a 4️⃣ wicket win against Andhra 👏

He also completed 1️⃣6️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ runs in Men’s List A cricket 🫡 @IDFCFIRSTBank | @imVkohli |… pic.twitter.com/kCfdl3yux1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) December 24, 2025

Delhi cruised to 300/6 in 37.4 overs, leaving Ricky Bhui’s 122 for Andhra Pradesh a mere footnote.

The only thing missing from the performance was the roar of a full stadium.

Also READ: Fans go wild as Virat Kohli smashes 83-ball century for Delhi in his historic return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Andhra Pradesh