Ranji Trophy 2026/27: NGT blocks Chhattisgarh home games in Raipur
Synopsis
Environmental tribunal red tape has turned Chhattisgarh's home Ranji Trophy fixtures into away games — the NGT's demand of ₹20 lakh per match has locked the Raipur stadium out of action, with a December hearing leaving the state's entire home schedule in limbo.
Key Takeaways
Chhattisgarh's back-to-back Ranji Trophy 2026/27 home games have been shifted out of Raipur after the NGT withheld stadium clearance.
The fixture against Andhra (from 27 October 2026 ) will now be played at the DVR Ground, Mulapadu , near Vijayawada .
The game against Hyderabad is also likely to be held in the opponents' city.
The NGT is reportedly seeking approximately ₹20 lakh per match ; the next tribunal hearing is on 9 December 2026 .
The NGT had previously granted special permission for India vs Zimbabwe women's T20Is in Raipur on a one-time deposit of ₹20 lakh for groundwater recharge.
Chhattisgarh sit seventh in Elite Group 'B' with just one point from two matches.
Chhattisgarh's back-to-back home fixtures in the 2026/27 Ranji Trophy have been relocated after the National Green Tribunal (NGT) withheld clearance for staging matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. The development has effectively converted two scheduled home games into away assignments for the state side.
Where the Matches Will Now Be Played
Chhattisgarh's Elite Group 'B' clash against Andhra, beginning on Monday, 27 October 2026, has been shifted to the DVR Ground in Mulapadu, near Vijayawada. A fourth-round fixture against Hyderabad is also set to be moved, with reports suggesting it is likely to be held in the opponents' city. According to a source aware of the developments, the NGT has 'not yet given them clearance to host games.'
Why the NGT Withheld Clearance
The tribunal has reportedly asked Chhattisgarh to deposit approximately ₹20 lakh per match as a condition for granting permission. The source indicated that the state had completed all requisite compliance steps, but the financial demand by the NGT has held up the green signal. The next hearing before the tribunal is scheduled for 9 December 2026.
Notably, in July 2026, the NGT had granted special permission for Raipur to host three women's T20I matches between India and Zimbabwe — played last week — on the specific condition that the organisers deposit ₹20 lakh for groundwater recharge with the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board. That dispensation, however, did not extend automatically to Ranji Trophy games.
Broader Impact on Chhattisgarh's Season Schedule
The NGT standoff threatens more than just two fixtures. According to sources, Chhattisgarh has several additional board matches lined up to host this season. While alternative grounds exist within the state, they are reportedly not of the standard of the Raipur stadium, leaving the state cricket association with limited options. 'There are a few more board games Chhattisgarh is due to host — so let's see what happens to it in the future,' the source said.
Chhattisgarh's Position in the Points Table
The venue upheaval compounds an already difficult season for Chhattisgarh on the field. The side has managed just one point from two away outings — a draw against Saurashtra and a loss to Punjab in New Chandigarh — leaving them seventh in Elite Group 'B'. Favourable results are now essential if they are to climb the standings.
Broadcast Details
The Chhattisgarh vs Andhra match at Mulapadu will be streamed live on JioHotstar. Other Round 3 fixtures available on JioHotstar include Tamil Nadu vs Railways at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, and Baroda vs Jammu & Kashmir — the reigning champions — at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara, which will also be telecast on Star Sports Khel.
With the December hearing still weeks away, Chhattisgarh's home schedule for the remainder of the Ranji Trophy season remains uncertain.
Point of View
Even after compliance was reportedly completed. For a state side already struggling at the bottom of its group, losing home advantage is a competitive blow that goes beyond logistics. If the December hearing does not resolve matters, Chhattisgarh could end up playing an entire domestic season effectively on the road — a precedent that raises questions about how the BCCI and state boards plan around environmental clearance timelines.
NationPress
25 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why have Chhattisgarh's Ranji Trophy home games been moved out of Raipur?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has not granted clearance for the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur to host Ranji Trophy matches. The tribunal is reportedly asking for approximately ₹20 lakh per match, and the next hearing is scheduled for 9 December 2026.
Where will Chhattisgarh's home game against Andhra be played?
The match, originally scheduled as a home fixture in Raipur, will now be played at the DVR Ground in Mulapadu, near Vijayawada, effectively making it an away game for Chhattisgarh. It begins on Monday, 27 October 2026.
Did the NGT previously allow matches at the Raipur stadium?
Yes, in July 2026 the NGT granted special one-time permission for three India vs Zimbabwe women's T20I matches in Raipur, on the condition of a ₹20 lakh deposit for groundwater recharge. That permission did not extend to the Ranji Trophy fixtures.
How does this affect Chhattisgarh's full home schedule for the season?
The state has several more board matches lined up to host this season, and their fate remains uncertain until at least the December tribunal hearing. Alternative venues exist within the state but are reportedly not of the required standard.
Where can fans watch Chhattisgarh vs Andhra in the Ranji Trophy?
The match at DVR Ground, Mulapadu will be streamed live on JioHotstar. Other Round 3 games on JioHotstar include Tamil Nadu vs Railways in Chennai, and Baroda vs Jammu & Kashmir in Vadodara — with the latter also available on Star Sports Khel.
