New Delhi: The Ranji Trophy finalists have been locked in after Karnataka qualified for the summit clash after their semifinal against Uttarakhand ended in a draw. Karnataka progressed to the final after securing the win based on a massive first-innings lead over Uttarakhand at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
In the final, Karnataka will take on Jammu and Kashmir, who beat Bengal in the first semifinal on Wednesday. The summit clash was originally scheduled to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on February 24, but the venue has been shifted to Hubballi.
All sorts of speculations circulated about the reasons behind the venue change, but the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) hasput all the rumours to bed by revealing the real reason behind the change.
As per KSCA, the officials decided to move the match out of Bengaluru stadium to further speed up the ongoing safety enhancement works at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium with an eye on getting the venue ready for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
KSCA officials reveal the reason behind venue shift
“KSCA had the option of hosting this prestigious final either at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association, in coordination with the BCCI, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA official spokesperson.
Chinnaswamy Stadium is undergoing renovation, which includes extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement in line with the recommendations of the state-appointed Expert Committee and other statutory authorities, following the deadly stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 victory parade in 2025.
“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works.
“In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves,” said Mruthyunjaya.
Whether RCB’s IPL 2026 home matches will be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium is still not confirmed despite the approval of the state government.