Ranji Trophy Final Relocated: Hubballi to Host Summit Clash as Chinnaswamy Undergoes Renovation
NEW DELHI: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) officially announced on Thursday that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final featuring Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir will shift venues. Originally slated for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the title decider will now take place at the KSCA Ground in Hubballi starting February 24.
This venue change stems from urgent infrastructure upgrades and safety protocols currently underway at Bengaluru’s historic stadium, necessitating a move to ensure the match proceeds without logistical hindrances.
Safety Upgrades Prompt Venue Change
According to KSCA officials, the decision to move the marquee fixture was made after consulting with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The primary driver for the relocation is the ongoing renovation work at Chinnaswamy Stadium, initiated based on recommendations from a state-appointed expert committee.
Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the official KSCA spokesperson, clarified the logistical challenges facing the Bengaluru venue:
“Infrastructure and safety upgrade work is in progress at the Bengaluru venue. 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… that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves.”
Key Match Details
| Fixture Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Ranji Trophy Final |
| Teams | Karnataka vs. Jammu & Kashmir |
| Start Date | February 24 |
| New Venue | KSCA Ground, Hubballi |
| Reason for Move | Safety upgrades/Renovation at Chinnaswamy Stadium |
Strategic Push for Regional Cricket
Beyond the logistical necessity, the move aligns with the broader vision of the current KSCA managing committee. Led by former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad, the committee aims to decentralize high-profile cricket in the state, bringing major matches to fans outside the capital.
Mruthyunjaya highlighted the strategic benefits of hosting the final in Hubballi:
- Regional Engagement: Taking the game to passionate fanbases in Northern Karnataka.
- Infrastructure Utilization: Leveraging the international-standard facilities available at the Hubballi ground.
- Ecosystem Growth: Strengthening the sporting culture beyond Bengaluru.
The Hubballi venue has previously hosted Ranji Trophy fixtures and India A matches, proving its capability to handle high-stakes domestic cricket. This final provides an opportunity for the KSCA to showcase its regional infrastructure on a national stage.
Fans expecting to watch the match at Chinnaswamy will now need to look toward Hubballi, as Bengaluru prepares its stadium for future commitments, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) season.