Duleep Trophy Fans Face Barriers at BCCI Centre of Excellence For years, fans of India’s domestic cricket have been met with frustration when attempting to watch matches at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. During Duleep Trophy matchdays, a small group of supporters would gather near the facility’s gates, hoping to catch a glimpse of the country’s top domestic players in action. However, their efforts were often thwarted by strict security measures that barred spectators from entering the venue. The issue was not uncommon. Fans would linger near the gates, hoping to gain entry, but were repeatedly told that access was restricted. On one occasion, a person claiming to be a player’s relative had to make multiple phone calls and wait for hours before being granted permission to attend a match. This situation highlighted a growing disconnect between the tournament’s stature and the limited opportunities for fans to engage with the sport. The Duleep Trophy, a premier domestic competition, has long been a stepping stone for players aiming to reach the national team. For generations, it has served as a platform for emerging talent, offering a chance to showcase skills in a high-stakes environment. Yet, the lack of spectator access has left fans feeling excluded from the journey of these athletes. This issue was not limited to the CoE. Similar restrictions were observed during matches at other venues. For example, when Karnataka hosted Kerala in a Ranji Trophy game at the Alur grounds, fans eager to see Sanju Samson, a key player for Kerala, were denied entry. Such instances underscored a broader pattern of limited fan engagement in domestic cricket. The BCCI’s decision to move this season’s Duleep Trophy final from the CoE to Chennai’s M.A.#karnataka #kerala #bcci_centre_of_excellence #duleep_trophy #bcci_secretary_devajit_saikia
