BCCI Shifts Matches from Bengaluru After KSCA Stampede Fallout
In a dramatic turn of events, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) finds itself in turbulent waters following the tragic stampede at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday. The fallout has been swift and severe, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) taking the unprecedented step of relocating key matches from Bengaluru, raising serious questions about the city’s future as a cricketing hub.
The first major casualty is the highly anticipated three-match ODI series between India ‘A’ and South Africa ‘A’, originally scheduled to be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium from November 13 to 19. In a curt press release, the BCCI announced the shift of these matches to Rajkot, Gujarat, without explicitly citing reasons. However, sources close to the board suggest that the decision, finalized on Thursday, is directly linked to the chaos and administrative lapses witnessed during the stampede. KSCA president, while maintaining that the venue change and the incident are unrelated, offered no further clarity on the matter.
Interestingly, the two multi-day red-ball matches between the same teams, slated prior to the ODIs, will proceed as planned at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) near Kempegowda International Airport on the outskirts of Bengaluru. This dedicated facility, away from the beleaguered Chinnaswamy Stadium, appears to have escaped the scrutiny for now.
The stampede, which resulted in injuries to several fans and significant damage to the stadium infrastructure—including compound walls, railings, staircases, and sanitation facilities—has cast a long shadow over KSCA’s credibility as a host. Reports indicate that renovations are urgently needed before the venue can be deemed safe for future events. Beyond immediate repairs, the incident has sparked broader concerns about crowd management and safety protocols at one of India’s most iconic cricket grounds, which has been a bastion of the sport since its inception in 1969.
The repercussions could extend far beyond domestic cricket. Bengaluru is slated to host critical matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, including the opening clash featuring India on September 30, a semifinal on October 30, and potentially the final on November 2, provided Pakistan does not qualify (in which case the final would move to Colombo due to geopolitical considerations). However, both the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are now reevaluating the feasibility of hosting these marquee games at Chinnaswamy. A source within the BCCI hinted that KSCA might not host any significant cricketing event in the near future until confidence in their operations is restored.
Former India women’s cricket captain Shantha Rangaswamy, speaking exclusively to us, expressed deep concern over the unfolding crisis. ‘I am still grappling with the tragedy at a stadium that has been a source of joy for fans for over five decades. If the Women’s World Cup matches are moved out of Bengaluru, it will be a devastating blow to cricket in Karnataka. Women’s cricket, which has struggled for momentum in the state over the past few years, will suffer an even greater setback,’ she lamented.
As the dust settles on this unfortunate chapter, the spotlight remains firmly on KSCA. With its reputation hanging by a thread, the association faces an uphill battle to restore trust. Will Bengaluru, a city synonymous with cricketing passion, reclaim its status as a premier venue? Or is this the beginning of a prolonged exile from the sport’s grand stage? Only time will tell, but for now, the shift to Rajkot marks a grim turning point in Karnataka’s cricketing journey.