Karnataka Police deny permission for Vijay Hazare Trophy match at Chinnaswamy Stadium citing crowd safety and past stampede concerns.
Bengaluru: Due to grave concerns over crowd management and safety, Karnataka Police have refused permission for the Vijay Hazare Trophy match between Delhi and Andhra Pradesh at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The decision was made following a comprehensive inspection by the Fire Department, the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar, who identified serious deficiencies in the venue’s infrastructure and emergency readiness.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh made this announcement.
As directed by the Home Department, the committee visited the stadium on Monday. Police, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom), and fire officers were among the officers who assessed the stadium. The officials’ report states that permission has not been given for the Wednesday match at Chinnaswamy Stadium. A thorough report from the committee has also been provided,” Commissioner Singh said.
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The Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had already released a 17-point guideline detailing the necessary safety precautions. After confirming that these requirements had been met, the committee sent the government its conclusions.
The stadium gates, according to police sources, were too small to accommodate big crowds, particularly because Virat Kohli was anticipated to be there.
Sources further disclosed that state Home Minister G. Parameshwara met with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad in a last-ditch attempt to make an exemption, but officials refused.
A committee was established, according to Parameshwara’s announcement on Monday, to examine and determine whether the Chinnaswamy Stadium is suitable to host the Vijay Hazare Trophy cricket tournament.
The minister presided over a meeting with senior police officers and representatives from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in the Vidhana Soudha to talk about preparations for the forthcoming game.
“KSCA has asked for permission to host the Vijay Hazare Trophy match without tickets for the general public. Parameshwara had stated that only the game would be played and that spectators would not be allowed.
Significantly, on June 4, while celebrating the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumph, a stampede occurred close to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, killing eleven people.