Virat Kohli’s Bengaluru Return Faces Venue Change as KSCA Moves Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Match at the Last Minute

Bengaluru | December 23, 2025 Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will not unfold the way fans had hoped, after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) made a last-minute change to the venue for Delhi’s opening match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Due to security concerns, all matches scheduled at the iconic Bengaluru stadium have been shifted to the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), altering plans just a day before Delhi were set to face Andhra. The experienced India batter was set to represent Delhi in the premier domestic 50-over tournament, marking his first Vijay Hazare Trophy appearance in 15 years. The stage seemed perfectly set for Kohli to return to one of his favourite venues, where he has enjoyed immense success over the years. However, on Tuesday morning, the KSCA was informed by Karnataka’s home ministry that the matches could not be staged at the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to security reasons, prompting an immediate shift in plans. Both the Delhi and Andhra squads were notified of the development ahead of their scheduled practice sessions. Instead of training at the stadium, the teams will now hold their sessions at the Centre of Excellence later on Tuesday. The decision was communicated swiftly, but it came as a disappointment to fans who were hoping to watch Kohli play at the Chinnaswamy, even in a domestic fixture. This is not the first time venue arrangements involving Kohli have changed in recent weeks. Earlier this month, the KSCA had moved at least two matches involving Kohli and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant from Alur to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, citing logistical ease and security considerations. However, the latest decision has once again reshuffled the schedule, underlining the challenges of hosting high-profile players during a busy period. Adding to the disappointment for supporters, the Karnataka association has been instructed to ensure that all Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Bengaluru are played behind closed doors. As a result, fans will not be allowed entry at the Centre of Excellence, denying them a chance to see Kohli up close. The Bengaluru police have already tightened security around the Aerospace Park area, where the CoE is located, to ensure smooth conduct of the matches. The Centre of Excellence is not new to hosting major fixtures. It previously staged the Duleep Trophy, Women’s World Cup warm-up games, and India A’s series against South Africa. In all those instances, spectators were not permitted inside the premises, making the closed-door arrangement a familiar setup for the venue. Earlier, the KSCA had sounded confident about hosting matches featuring Kohli and Pant at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. There were plans to open at least two stands for the public, which could have accommodated around 2,000 to 3,000 spectators if allowed to operate at full capacity. However, this proposal reportedly faced resistance from government authorities, who were keen to avoid congestion and disorder around the stadium during the holiday season. For Kohli, the venue shift does not change his commitment to the tournament. The 37-year-old is set to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for the first time since 2010, a gap of a decade and a half. He comes into the competition in strong form, having recently been named Player of the Series against South Africa after scoring two centuries and an unbeaten half-century. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already directed centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy ahead of India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11. The directive aims to ensure match readiness and maintain a strong link between international and domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma is also expected to feature in Mumbai’s opening Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Sikkim at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Wednesday, December 24. While fans in Bengaluru will miss out on seeing Kohli in person, the focus now shifts firmly to the cricket, as India’s biggest stars return to domestic action amid tight security and changed plans. Virat Kohli’s Bengaluru Return Faces Venue Change as KSCA Moves Delhi’s Vijay Hazare Trophy Match at the Last Minute Virat Kohli’s long-awaited return to Bengaluru has taken an unexpected turn. Just a day before Delhi’s opening match in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) decided to shift all matches from the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the BCCI Centre of Excellence. The move came after Karnataka’s home ministry flagged security concerns, forcing a last-minute change in plans. Kohli, who is set to play the Vijay Hazare Trophy for Delhi for the first time in 15 years, was expected to draw huge attention at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Fans were eager to see the star batter back at one of his favourite venues. However, with the venue shift, that excitement will now stay outside the gates, as all matches in Bengaluru will be played behind closed doors. Both Delhi and Andhra, who face each other in the opening game, were informed about the change ahead of their training sessions. The teams will now train and play at the Centre of Excellence, where security arrangements are already in place. The venue has earlier hosted tournaments like the Duleep Trophy, Women’s World Cup warm-up matches, and India A games, all without spectators. This is the second venue change involving Kohli in recent weeks. Earlier, matches featuring Kohli and Rishabh Pant were moved to the Chinnaswamy Stadium due to logistical reasons, but plans to open limited seating for fans were later rejected to avoid crowd issues during the holiday season. Despite the changes, Kohli remains focused on his return to domestic cricket. The 37-year-old recently starred in the series against South Africa and was named Player of the Series. The BCCI has also directed centrally contracted players to feature in domestic matches before India’s ODI series against New Zealand. While fans in Bengaluru will miss seeing Kohli live, the spotlight remains firmly on his comeback to the Vijay Hazare Trophy.