The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru could lose hosting rights for the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup, which commences next month. 

It is understood that the Bengaluru city police denied permission for the same. This comes after the Justice (Retd.) Michael D’Cunha Commission report stated that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was not fit to host big-ticket events. 

The commission, set up by the Karnataka government, inquired into the June 4 stampede outside the stadium that caused 11 deaths during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title-winning celebrations.

The stadium was scheduled to host four 2025 Women’s CWC matches. This included the tournament opener (on September 30) – featuring the Indian team – two league outings, and the second semifinal. 

Only a few days ago, it was announced that all Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament matches would be shifted from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Mysuru. This decision was reportedly taken after the police denied permission.

While India has hosted Women’s CWC in 1978, 1997 and 2013, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has featured in only one game (in 1997). In the same edition, the Gangotri Glades Stadium in then Mysore hosted one league match between Pakistan and Denmark.

Sports Bureau adds from Thiruvananthapuram:

The Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is likely to host the Women’s WC matches originally allotted to Bengaluru.

When the Karnataka State Cricket Association failed to secure permission for the World Cup, the BCCI was forced to find an alternate venue.

The BCCI had informed the Kerala Cricket Association a week ago that Thiruvananthapuram was being considered. The KCA, it is understood, is willing to take up the offer.

The KCA sources said the Kerala Cricket League, scheduled to be held from August 21 to September 6, will be moved to an alternative venue in Thiruvananthapuram or Alappuzha if the World Cup matches are allotted to the State capital.