The Karnataka State Cricket Association on Thursday confirmed that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be played in Hubballi, a move aimed at expediting ongoing security enhancement work at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Ranji Trophy final is scheduled to begin on February 24. PTI reported on Wednesday that the match will be shifted to the KSCA Stadium in Hubballi.
Eight-time champions Karnataka entered their first Ranji Trophy final since the 2014-15 season, advancing on the strength of a massive first innings lead against Uttarakhand in Lucknow. In the title race, Karnataka will face first-time runners-up Jammu and Kashmir, who defeated Bengal by six wickets in the second semi-final held in Kalyani.
Confirming the decision, KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthunjaya said the association carefully considered its options before arriving at the call.
“KSCA had the option to host this prestigious final either at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru or at the KSCA Ground, Hubballi. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association in coordination with the BCCI took a considered and strategic decision to host the final at Hubballi,” he said.
Chinnaswamy Stadium is currently undergoing extensive infrastructural and security enhancement works as per the recommendations of the state-appointed expert committee and other statutory bodies.
“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and expanded along with other major improvements.
“Given these ongoing developments, it would not be possible to provide the high quality match viewing experience and spectator comfort that a tournament like the Ranji Trophy final deserves,” added Mruthunjaya.
However, he described the move as a blessing in disguise and noted that holding the marquee match at the mofussil center is in line with the vision of the newly elected KSCA management committee led by former India cricketer and KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad.
“This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the state, encouraging regional fan engagement and strengthening the sports ecosystem outside Bengaluru,” he said.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 19, 2026