Kohli, RCB set for Chinnaswamy return

The decks have been cleared for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to be back on the BCCI's radar after newly-elected KSCA chief Venkatesh Prasad has received a go-ahead from the Karnataka government to host matches, a week after being elected. The BCCI is believed to have been apprised of the recent developments too.

The immediate implications are that Virat Kohli could be back playing at the Chinnaswamy, with the KSCA set to move Vijay Hazare Trophy matches involving Delhi from Alur owing to security and logistical challenges. As things stand, Kohli and Rishabh Pant have been named in a jumbo Delhi squad and both could be available for the first three matches.

Prasad and vice-president Sujith Somasunder held meetings with chief minister Siddharamaiah, deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar and other government officials in Belagavi earlier this week on the sidelines of the state's assembly session and the conversations are understood to have been fruitful.

ESPNcricinfo understands the KSCA is also making provisions to be able to accommodate 2000-3000 fans by throwing open certain stands to the public, considering the high-profile nature of matches involving two Indian superstars.

At the meeting with the government officials, the Prasad-led KSCA committee reiterated their commitment to implementing as many changes as feasible from the Justice John D'Cunha report on the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While hosting matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy is seen as a starting point, Prasad and KSCA are keen on ensuring Bengaluru doesn't lose out on hosting IPL matches.

"We're on track for the IPL to be back," an office-bearer privy to the developments told ESPNcricinfo. The KSCA is expected to begin work on the D'Cunha recommendations in a phased manner.

"To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly," deputy chief minister Shivakumar said after the state's cabinet meeting on Friday. "The Home Minister will hold discussions with the KSCA president and police officials."

The venue hasn't hosted any top-flight cricket since the June 4 stampede that marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebration, leading to 11 deaths and several injuries. KSCA's Maharaja Trophy was shifted to Mysore in August, while the venue also lost out on hosting five Women's World Cup matches, including the final, due to the ongoing impasse.

"We have no intention of stopping cricket matches. But crowd-management measures need to be examined," Shivakumar said. "We also intend to implement the recommendations of the Justice Michael D'Cunha Committee in a phased manner. Venkatesh Prasad too has agreed to this."