New Delhi: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Thursday confirmed that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be played in Hubballi. The move is to enable faster progress in the security upgrade work at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The finals will begin on February 24th.
KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said, “KSCA has the option of hosting this prestigious final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru or at the KSCA Hubballi venue. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the association in coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken a well-thought-out strategic decision to host the final at Hubballi.”
He said infrastructure and security upgrade work is being done at the Bengaluru venue based on the recommendations of the state-appointed expert committee and other authorities.
“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being demolished and widened, along with other key improvements.”
“Given these ongoing developments, ensuring the quality match viewing experience and spectator convenience that should be expected of a mega event like the Ranji Trophy final is not feasible,” Mruthyunjaya said.
He added that the shift would also allow a major tournament to be held outside Bengaluru, in line with the vision of the newly elected KSCA management committee led by Venkatesh Prasad.
“This initiative aims to promote cricket across the state, foster fan engagement in the region and strengthen the sports ecosystem beyond Bengaluru,” he added.
