The 4th edition of the Maharaja Cup faces uncertainty as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) awaits police clearance from the Karnataka police to host the state franchise-based T20 competition at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The tournament is planned to run from August 11 to August 27. 

The clearance has not been obtained due to an ongoing investigation into the June 4 stampede killings, which occurred during RCB's victory parade day, outside the stadium premises. Large swaths of crowds gathered in the vicinity of the stadium in uncontrollable numbers, which quickly overwhelmed the law enforcement authorities, leading to the death of 11 innocent civilians. 

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KSCA on the lookout for alternative venues

In light of the tragic stampede incident, KSCA had previously announced that the Maharaja Cup would be held behind closed doors. Realising that the ongoing investigation would at some point act as a hurdle, KSCA had already made up its mind to shift the tournament outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

Alternative venues such as the Alur Cricket Ground, which is situated on the outskirts of the city, as well as the Wadeyar Ground in Mysuru, are being considered by the association at this stage. Though Alur is equipped with excellent drainage and infrastructure, the stadium lacks adequate seating capacity, and the lack of floodlights further adds to its woes. 

However, the Women's Maharani T20 Cup will go ahead as planned, and the Alur Cricket Ground will play host to all the fixtures. There was a proposal to host the final at  Chinnaswamy Stadium, but that seems highly unlikely with police approvals yet to come. Franchises have expressed their grievances to the governing body and have warned that the teams could face severe financial loss. Prior hotel bookings near the city center were made with the understanding that the tournament would be staged at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

This obstacle puts KSCA in a tight spot. The ongoing probe into the stampede killing can further jeopardize KSCA's ability to host future tournaments such as the Women's ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to begin on September 30.