Explained: Why Chinnaswamy Stadium won’t host the Ranji Trophy final

Why the Chinnaswamy Stadium won’t host the Ranji Trophy final

In an effort to expedite the ongoing safety improvement projects at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka State Cricket Association informed on Thursday that the forthcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will take place at Hubballi.

The KSCA Stadium in Hubballi will host the match for the Ranji Trophy final, which is scheduled to begin on February 24.

"KSCA had the option of hosting this prestigious final either at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association, in coordination with the BCCI, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi," PTI quoted Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA official spokesperson, as saying.

In accordance with the recommendations of the state-appointed Expert Committee and other statutory bodies, extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement projects have been carried out at Chinnaswamy.

"Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works."

"In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves," said Mruthyunjaya.

But according to Mruthyunjaya, it was actually a boon since it allowed a major match to be held at a mofussil center in the state, which is in line with the goals of the recently elected KSCA Managing Committee, which is led by KSCA President and former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad.

"This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the State, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru," he added.