Virat Kohli is set to make his much-awaited return to domestic cricket after a 12-year hiatus, playing for Delhi in their final Ranji Trophy group match against Railways at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. In anticipation of a massive turnout, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has introduced a last-minute regulation requiring fans to carry both the original and a photocopy of their Aadhaar card for entry.
Aadhaar Card Mandatory for Entry
Earlier, DDCA had announced free entry for spectators, expecting around 10,000 fans at the stadium. However, in a recent update, the association made it mandatory for attendees to present their Aadhaar cards at the entrance.
“The Gautam Gambhir Stand will be open for spectators, and they can enter through Gate No. 16 and 17. DDCA members and guests will have access through Gate No. 6. We are preparing for a crowd of around 10,000 on the first day,” said DDCA secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma in a statement to The Indian Express.
He further clarified, “Entry remains free, but fans must bring their original Aadhaar card along with a photocopy. The arrangements are on par with international matches or IPL games.”
While Kohli’s presence is expected to draw significant crowds, the turnout may vary depending on Delhi’s innings order. If the team bowls first, the audience could be around 3,000, but if they bat first, the excitement to see Kohli in action could lead to a packed house.
Jio Steps Up to Broadcast Kohli’s Return
Initially, the Delhi vs. Railways fixture was not part of BCCI’s scheduled Ranji Trophy broadcasts. However, with Kohli’s last-minute decision to participate, Jio acted swiftly to ensure live coverage of the match.
A Jio official explained the reasoning behind their quick response, saying, “The interest in Mumbai vs. J&K, where Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal played, was tremendous. With Virat Kohli featuring in Delhi’s game, we expect a similar level of attention. The decision to broadcast was entirely ours, and we took the call as soon as Kohli confirmed his participation.”
With Kohli’s return to domestic cricket drawing nationwide attention, fans in the stadium and those watching from home can look forward to a thrilling match.
