The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has brrn in a bit of a spup in the past year. After the fiasco post Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s first IPL win in 2025, where a stampede occurred and many people died. After that there was a significant amount of time that the stadium was barred from hosting any game. They again received a license in the IPL 2026 to host games. However, now, another venue in Bengaluru, has seen a significant game move away. However, it is due to entirely different reasons.
The final of the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 has been shifted from the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The decision was officially made by the BCCI to allow spectators to attend the marquee domestic fixture, which will be played from 6th to 10th September, and watch the final live at the stadium.
The remainder of the Duleep Trophy will continue as scheduled at the CoE, starting on 23rd August with East Zone facing Northeast Zone and North Zone taking on West Zone.
“We wanted to allow people to come and watch the Duleep Trophy final, hence the BCCI has decided to conduct the important domestic fixture at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. At CoE, there are some restrictions regarding attendance of the crowd.” BCCI secretary Devajeet Saikia said in an interaction with The Times of India.
The Duleep Trophy is an important first-class tournament in our calendar and carries a rich legacy. The quality of cricket is always high, and we want fans to have the opportunity to watch the final live at the stadium.. There are certain restrictions regarding crowd attendance at the CoE, and we felt it was appropriate to move the final to a venue where fans can attend and be part of the occasion,” he added.
“We have also increased coverage of the tournament and all matches of the Duleep Trophy will be streamed live, and there will also be TV coverage of one quarter-final, one semi-final and the final,” he further added.