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KSCA will host the Ranji Trophy final in Hubballi on Feb 24, moving from M Chinnaswamy Stadium attributable to safety upgrades and to advertise regional cricket.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. (Picture Credit: AFP)
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced on Thursday that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will probably be held in Hubballi. This decision was made to expedite ongoing safety enhancements on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Ranji Trophy final is about to start on February 24. PTI had reported on Wednesday that the distinguished match can be relocated to the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi. Karnataka will face Jammu and Kashmir within the title clash from February 24.
Karnataka reached the Ranji Trophy final after 11 years, progressing due to a primary innings lead of their drawn semifinal match against Uttarakhand. In a historic achievement, the J&K team defeated Bengal by six wickets of their first-ever Ranji Trophy semifinal appearance, marking a big victory.
Why Hubballi And Not Chinnaswamy?
KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya stated, “KSCA had the choice of hosting this prestigious final either on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or on 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 ultimate at Hubballi.”
Extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement works are currently underway at Chinnaswamy Stadium based on recommendations from the state-appointed Expert Committee and other statutory authorities.
“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, together with other critical improvement works.
“In view of those ongoing developments, it will not have been feasible to make sure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture corresponding to the Ranji Trophy Final deserves,” said Mruthyunjaya.
Nevertheless, Mruthyunjaya acknowledged that this decision was helpful because it allowed a marquee match to be staged at a regional centre, aligning with the vision of the newly-elected KSCA Managing Committee led by former India cricketer and KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad.
“This initiative is geared toward promoting cricket across the State, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru,” he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
February 19, 2026, 20:25 IST
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