BCCI shifts Duleep Trophy final to Chennai to allow spectators

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has relocated the Duleep Trophy 2026-27 final from the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru to the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The decision was made to allow spectators to attend the match, as government restrictions at the CoE campus currently prohibit large crowds.

The five-day final is scheduled to take place from September 6 to 10. While the final moves to Chennai, the earlier stages of the tournament, including the quarterfinals and semifinals, will proceed as planned at the CoE in Bengaluru without public attendance. The tournament is set to begin on August 23.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the move ensures fans can experience the high-quality domestic first-class fixture live. To increase accessibility, the BCCI has expanded broadcast coverage; all matches will be live-streamed digitally, with select quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches also receiving television coverage. In squad news, Ishan Kishan has been named captain for the East Zone.