The stage is set for a historic showdown in the Ranji Trophy final, but the venue for the summit clash has seen a significant change. On Thursday, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed that the high-stakes battle between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir will be hosted at the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi rather than the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Infrastructure Upgrades Take Priority
The decision to move the final, scheduled to begin on February 24, stems from extensive safety and infrastructure projects currently underway at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following recommendations from a state-appointed expert committee and various statutory authorities, the venue is undergoing essential enhancements.
KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya explained that the move was necessary to ensure the best possible experience for those attending. “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,” he stated.
Extensive work is being carried out to modernise the Bengaluru facility. “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,” Mruthyunjaya added.
A Strategic Move for Regional Cricket
While the logistical constraints at Bengaluru forced the move, the KSCA Managing Committee—led by President and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad—sees this as a strategic opportunity to grow the game. By shifting the final to Hubballi, the association aims to decentralise the sport and foster fan engagement in regional centres.
“This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the state, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru,” Mruthyunjaya noted. It aligns with the new committee’s vision to bring premier domestic cricket to passionate fans in North Karnataka.
A Final of Historic Proportions
The relocation doesn’t take away from the magnitude of the match. Karnataka enters the final after an 11-year hiatus, having secured their spot through a crucial first-inning lead in a drawn semifinal against Uttarakhand.
On the other side of the pitch, Jammu & Kashmir arrives having scripted one of the greatest underdog stories in Indian domestic history. Their six-wicket victory over Bengal marked their first-ever semifinal appearance and subsequent qualification for the final. As these two sides prepare to clash in Hubballi, the local crowd is expected to witness a monumental chapter in the 2025-26 domestic season.
