Duleep Trophy Final Eyes Spectators, Venue Shift Possible

The Duleep Trophy final is likely to be moved from its original location on the outskirts of Bengaluru to a more accessible venue in Chennai or Bengaluru, with the possibility of spectators being allowed. The inter-zonal tournament is scheduled to commence on August 23, with its initial stages, including quarterfinals and semifinals, taking place at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE).

The final match, planned from September 6-10, was initially slated for the CoE, a venue where games are typically held behind closed doors. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively considering alternative venues to permit spectator attendance. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia indicated that the board would investigate hosting the match with spectators, noting that there is still adequate time for such arrangements.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had agreed to host the final, but potential challenges arise from court-mandated protocols if spectator numbers exceed 5000, following a past stampede incident. Consequently, the BCCI also approached the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) on Tuesday to explore options for holding the final with fans present.