The BCCI is looking at moving the final of the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy away from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru so that spectators can attend.
The final is currently set for the CoE from September 6 to 10, but the facility is not set up for big crowds. Access is generally limited to close relatives or associates of players and team officials. The tournament starts on August 23, and the quarterfinals and semifinals are still planned for the CoE.
Two stadiums in the frame
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai are the two options being considered. The Karnataka State Cricket Association has reportedly agreed in principle to stage the match at Chinnaswamy.
There is a catch, though. Following a court ruling linked to last year’s stampede outside the ground, any event with more than 5,000 spectators would require the association to follow extensive crowd-management protocols. The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association has also been approached.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was quoted as saying the board would definitely look at hosting the match with spectators and that there is still time.
No decision yet
The BCCI has not confirmed that the final will be moved. Talks with both state associations continue while the board weighs logistics, security and regulatory requirements, and with the final only weeks after the August 23 start, arrangements will need to be settled soon.
