(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium Faces Uncertainty Over Hosting Women’s World Cup Matches
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is at risk of losing its Women’s World Cup fixtures after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) missed the August 10 deadline to obtain police clearances set by the BCCI.
As per reports, the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is being considered as a potential alternative venue.
Currently, Bengaluru is scheduled to host the opening match between India and Sri Lanka on September 30, along with several key games — England vs South Africa (October 3), India vs Bangladesh (October 26), the second semi-final (October 30), and possibly the final on November 2.
However, a decision will need to be made soon. According to ICC guidelines, venues must be handed over to tournament organisers at least one month before the event. With Thiruvananthapuram also expected to host warm-up games on September 25 and 27, time is running out.
The KSCA has been facing challenges since earlier this year, and recent local safety concerns have added to the uncertainty. The stadium has already missed out on hosting the ongoing Maharaja Trophy T20, which was shifted to Mysuru due to similar clearance issues.
Reports suggest that the KSCA is exploring the possibility of hosting matches with a reduced crowd capacity in a last bid to retain its World Cup fixtures. However, it remains unclear whether the BCCI will approve such an arrangement, especially with the venue earmarked for the final if certain qualification scenarios play out.
If Bengaluru loses hosting rights, teams that had planned to base themselves in the city for training could also be affected, as the KSCA facility in Alur was a preferred practice venue.
With the tournament fast approaching, cricket fans await an official decision from the BCCI and ICC in the coming days.
