JAIPUR: While the buzz surrounding domestic cricket is always a welcome sight, it has become a rarity in recent years. For Jaipur’s passionate fans, this energetic atmosphere usually materializes only during the Indian Premier League (IPL) or the rare international white-ball tournament held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS).But Wednesday will be special as the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-2026 begins and Jaipur will host the elite Group C matches.
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Mumbai’s campaign kicks off in the city and fans are in for a treat: former India captain Rohit Sharma will play his opening matches against Sikkim (December 24) and Uttarakhand (December 26) at the SMS Stadium.Rohit’s participation follows a BCCI mandate that requires all centrally contracted Indian players to participate in at least two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches if available, a move aimed at ensuring match fitness ahead of international commitments.The excitement surrounding Rohit, one of India’s biggest sporting icons, is expected to draw large crowds to the home game, which is usually played in front of empty stands.With crowd control issues at the ground during a Ranji Trophy match last month, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is leaving nothing to chance on the security front.“We have arranged comprehensive police security as well as private bouncers. I personally met the Additional SP (South) who assured full support. All our security arrangements are firmly in place as you have seen during the training as well,” said ad hoc convener Deendayal Kumawat.RCA also had the stadium cleaned. “We have prepared the stadium so that fans do not face any inconvenience. Wild plants and bushes have been removed and we will also provide free drinking water. We will open the north and east stands first, but other stands will be opened if necessary,” added Kumawat.
