KARNATAKA STATE CRICKET ASSOCIATION (KSCA) has confirmed that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be staged in Hubballi. The summit clash, scheduled to begin on 24 February, has been relocated to facilitate ongoing safety and infrastructure upgrades at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said, “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 Board of Control for Cricket in India, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi.”
He explained that infrastructure and safety enhancement works are currently underway at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, in line with recommendations from a state-appointed expert committee and other relevant authorities.
“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.
He added that the move also aligns with the vision of the newly elected KSCA managing committee, led by Venkatesh Prasad, to take major cricketing events beyond Bengaluru and promote the game across other parts of the state.
