Approvals Delay Threatens Tournament Schedule
Bengaluru Women’s World Cup matches face uncertainty as the M Chinnaswamy Stadium still awaits mandatory police clearance. The August 10 BCCI deadline passed without approval, placing the city’s fixtures in jeopardy. The Greenfields Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram has emerged as a strong alternative host.
High-Profile Fixtures Could Shift
The city is set to host the tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30. Other key games include England vs South Africa on October 3, India vs Bangladesh on October 26, and the second semi-final on October 30. If Pakistan fail to qualify, the November 2 final will also be held here. Without clearance, these Bengaluru Women’s World Cup fixtures could move to another venue.
Thiruvananthapuram Prepared for Takeover
Greenfields Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram stands ready to host if required. It already has warm-up matches on September 25 and 27. The Kerala Cricket Association plans to shift the Kerala Cricket League elsewhere if needed, keeping the venue free for World Cup duty. ICC rules require venues to be handed over a month before the tournament, leaving little time for a decision.
Safety Concerns After Stampede
A tragic stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory parade. Following the incident, a government committee deemed the stadium unsafe for large-scale events and recommended moving such matches to safer locations.
KSCA Seeks Reduced-Capacity Approval
The Karnataka State Cricket Association has proposed staging Bengaluru Women’s World Cup matches with fewer spectators. The BCCI has yet to respond to the plan. Earlier this year, KSCA moved Maharaja Trophy T20 games to Mysore after failing to secure clearance, even for games without fans.
Teams’ Preparations in Limbo
Several teams planned to use Bengaluru’s training facilities, including the KSCA ground in Alur. Continued uncertainty threatens to disrupt those preparations. A quick decision from the BCCI and ICC will determine whether Bengaluru hosts its scheduled Women’s World Cup fixtures or hands them to another city.
