Duleep Trophy final moved to Chennai for fan attendance

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the final of the 2026-27 Duleep Trophy will be moved from the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The summit clash is scheduled to be held from September 6 to 10. The decision was made to allow spectators to attend the marquee match, addressing fan disappointment over previous tournaments held behind closed doors.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that while the earlier rounds of the zonal first-class tournament will remain at the Centre of Excellence, the final alone has been relocated. "The final of the Duleep Trophy will be held in Chennai, so that whoever wants to see the best players of the country in action, they can come and watch the match," Saikia said. He explained the move was necessary due to government restrictions on the land where the Centre of Excellence is built, which prohibit large crowds and have forced matches at the facility to be played without public attendance.

The Duleep Trophy opens the 2026-27 Indian domestic season on August 23. The quarterfinals will be contested from August 23 to 26, with East Zone facing North East Zone and North...