Bengaluru, Dec 22 (.): Cricket fans may have to watch from home as the highly anticipated Vijay Hazare Trophy clash between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh is likely to go ahead without spectators at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, despite featuring stars like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant.
The newly formed Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), headed by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, has sought permission from the state government to host the match.
However, the Home Department has adopted a cautious approach, asking a multi-departmental committee to assess stadium preparedness and compliance with safety guidelines laid down after the June 4 stampede near the stadium, which claimed 11 lives.
The committee, comprising officials from Bengaluru Police, Health, Fire Services, BWSSB, and PWD, will submit its report tomorrow. While the KSCA has committed to addressing safety gaps, the government is likely to permit the match only without spectators to prevent any untoward incidents.
KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said, “We are ready to conduct the match without spectators if permission is granted. Our priority is the safety of players and everyone involved, and we will implement all recommendations at the earliest.”
The Delhi squad, captained by Pant and featuring Kohli, is expected to draw massive attention, and if they decide to play behind closed doors without anyone in the gallery, it might become a significant talking point among cricket fans nationwide.
. . KK