The Karnataka Cabinet has given the green light to the KSCA in relation to holding cricket matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, DK Shivakumar, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, observed that the permission is based on the association implementing the recommendations of Justice John Michael Cunha Commission’s report.
“We have decided about the IPL matches. We are positive. We have asked our Home Minister G Parameshwara to have a meeting with them (Karnataka State Cricket Association authorities),” Shivakumar told reporters on Friday (December 12). “We are very positive. We want all the IPL matches to continue. We don’t want the image of Bengaluru to be spoilt, though whatever happened (stampede) was not right.”
As per sources, with Venkatesh Prasad as the new president, the KSCA is thinking of shifting Vijay Hazare Trophy games from Alur to Chinnaswamy. So, Virat Kohli, who is scheduled to partake the domestic 50-over tournament, could return to playing at a ground, where he has showcased his batting prowess while representing India and the RCB.
In the aftermath of the tragic events during RCB’s victory celebrations near the venue, the iconic ground hasn’t hosted a single cricket match. Incidentally, the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission’s report had noted, “The design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering. Given these systemic limitations, (the commission) strongly recommends that stadium authorities consider relocating events that are expected to attract large crowds to venues that are better suited for such gatherings.”
It further stated: “Until such infrastructural changes are made, continuing to host high-attendance events at the current location poses unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility and emergency preparedness.”
