On Duleep Trophy matchdays at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) on the outskirts of Bengaluru last year, there was a familiar sight. A small group of enthusiastic fans would gather near the gates, hoping to watch some of the country’s finest domestic cricketers in action.

But more often than not, they were left disappointed. Security personnel would bluntly tell them that spectators were not allowed inside. The fans would linger for a while and try their luck but would reluctantly walk away eventually. On one occasion, a person claiming to be a player’s relative had to make several phone calls and wait for hours before finally being permitted entry.

It was an odd situation for a tournament of the Duleep Trophy’s stature.

This is not an isolated instance. When Karnataka hosted Kerala in a Ranji Trophy match at the Alur grounds here, spectators eager to catch a glimpse of Sanju Samson were not allowed.

That is why the BCCI’s decision to move this season’s Duleep Trophy final from the CoE to Chennai’s M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, specifically to accommodate fans, is more than just a change of venue. It is a welcome acknowledgement that domestic cricket needs an audience.

When BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia was asked why spectators could not attend the matches, he said that the Board would consider moving the final. Around 10 days later, it did just that.

Crowd presence does more than enliven the stands. A cheer can provide an emotional lift to players in the often unsung setting of First Class cricket.

The Duleep Trophy may not have the glamour of the IPL or international cricket, but for generations of players, it has been a significant stepping stone to the National team.

The fans deserve to be a part of the journey.