Ranji Trophy Final Moved from Bengaluru to Hubballi for Stadium Upgrades on February 24

The Ranji Trophy final will now be held in Hubballi, not Bengaluru, because of stadium upgrades. This is the first time the final will be in Hubballi.
By Newsroom | Cricket, India |

The decision to move the prestigious Ranji Trophy final, scheduled for February 24, from Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Hubballi's KSCA Stadium has sparked discussion. This shift by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is attributed to ongoing safety and infrastructure enhancement works at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. While Hubballi will now host the title clash between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir, the move also aligns with a stated vision to promote cricket in regions beyond the state capital.

Hubballi to host Ranji final; Chinnaswamy not yet ready - 1

Event Overview and Participants

The upcoming Ranji Trophy final features Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir.

Hubballi to host Ranji final; Chinnaswamy not yet ready - 2

  • Karnataka secured their place in the final by defeating Uttarakhand on the basis of a first-innings lead.

  • Jammu & Kashmir are making their first-ever Ranji Trophy final appearance, marking a significant milestone 67 years after their affiliation with the BCCI.

The match is scheduled to commence on February 24.

Reasons for Venue Change

Multiple reports indicate a unified rationale for shifting the final venue:

Hubballi to host Ranji final; Chinnaswamy not yet ready - 3

  • Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades: The primary reason cited is the ongoing enhancement work at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This includes dismantling and widening spectator gates, widening access points, and other critical improvements.

  • These works are being undertaken as per recommendations from a state-appointed expert committee and other relevant authorities.

  • Accelerating Upgrade Progress: Moving the final is intended to allow these ongoing developments at Chinnaswamy Stadium to progress more rapidly and without interruption.

  • Promoting Regional Cricket: Beyond the immediate necessity of stadium upgrades, the KSCA has stated a strategic aim to promote cricket across different parts of Karnataka, not solely in Bengaluru. Hubballi's selection aligns with this objective.

Venue Options and Decision-Making

The KSCA had the choice of hosting the final at either the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru or the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi.

Hubballi to host Ranji final; Chinnaswamy not yet ready - 4

  • The final decision to allot the match to Hubballi was confirmed by the KSCA on Thursday.

  • While Chinnaswamy Stadium had secured necessary state government clearances, the KSCA deemed it less feasible for a marquee fixture like the Ranji Trophy final due to the ongoing civil works, which could impact the spectator experience.

Team Progression to the Final

  • Karnataka reached the final after an 11-year gap. They qualified by drawing against Uttarakhand, securing the win through a substantial first-innings lead.

  • Jammu & Kashmir achieved their maiden final appearance after a semi-final victory against Bengal, despite conceding the lead in that match.

Expert and Official Statements

  • The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has officially confirmed the venue shift, citing the need for accelerated safety upgrades at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium and a broader vision for regional cricket promotion.

  • A statement from the association highlighted that the ongoing works at Chinnaswamy Stadium would have made it "not feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience" required for the final.

Analysis of Contributing Factors

The relocation of the Ranji Trophy final presents a confluence of logistical and strategic considerations for the KSCA. The immediate driver appears to be the necessity of completing substantial safety and infrastructure upgrades at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The timing of these works, described as "extensive" and in line with expert recommendations, directly impacted the stadium's readiness for a high-profile event.

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Simultaneously, the KSCA's stated commitment to "promote cricket beyond Bengaluru" provides a secondary, yet significant, rationale. Hosting the final in Hubballi signifies an effort to decentralize major sporting events and potentially foster greater engagement with cricket in other districts.

It is worth noting that the decision was made from a selection of two viable venues within Karnataka, both under the purview of the KSCA. The selection criteria prioritized the completion of stadium works and broader developmental goals over the more established, but currently unavailable, primary venue in Bengaluru.

Conclusion and Implications

The 2026 Ranji Trophy final will be held in Hubballi, a decision driven by the ongoing and extensive safety and infrastructure upgrades at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) opted for the Hubballi venue to allow these critical works to proceed unimpeded and to expedite their completion.

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This venue change also serves the KSCA's stated objective of promoting cricket in regions outside of Bengaluru. The final, scheduled for February 24, will see Karnataka face Jammu & Kashmir, with the latter appearing in their first-ever final. The move underscores a practical necessity imposed by stadium maintenance, while also aligning with a strategic push for regional sporting development.

Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the Ranji Trophy final moved from Bengaluru to Hubballi on February 24?
The final was moved because the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is having safety and upgrade work done. This work needs to be finished faster, so the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) decided to move the match.
Q: Who will play in the Ranji Trophy final on February 24?
The final will be played between Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir. This is Jammu & Kashmir's first time ever in the Ranji Trophy final.
Q: What work is being done at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru?
Work is being done to make the stadium safer and improve its structure. This includes widening gates and access points. The KSCA wants this work to happen quickly without any problems.
Q: Will this venue change help cricket in other parts of Karnataka?
Yes, the KSCA also wants to help cricket grow in areas outside of Bengaluru. Moving the final to Hubballi is part of this plan to promote cricket in different regions of the state.
Q: When is the Ranji Trophy final being held?
The Ranji Trophy final is scheduled to take place on February 24.
Q: Why is the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium not ready for the final?
The stadium is not ready because there are important safety and building upgrades happening. These works are based on expert advice and are needed to make the stadium better and safer for everyone.