Crowd chaos in Arun Jaitley Stadium upon Virat Kohli’s Ranji Trophy return, few fans injured

On January 30, a riot broke out outside the Arun Jaitley Stadium when star Indian batsman Virat Kohli made his Ranji Trophy comeback to Delhi after a 12-year absence. When the stadium gates opened, the fervent spectators who were ready to see the legend in action rushed in, creating a stampede-like situation that resulted in injuries and property damage. The enormous turnout created logistical difficulties in spite of stringent security procedures.

In the 2024–25 Delhi match against Railways, Virat Kohli, who last participated in the Ranji Trophy in 2012 against Uttar Pradesh, chose to play.

He made the decision to play domestic cricket in order to get ready for the Champions Trophy.

A crowd of fans rushed outside the stadium’s Gate 16, causing multiple people to fall and get hurt. India Today reports that at least three people were injured, one of whom needed to have a bandage applied to his leg. To provide emergency medical assistance, local police and Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) security had to step in.

Additionally, as many fans hurried to enter the stadium, they left behind their things, including shoes, and destroyed a police bike. While trying to maintain control, a security guard also sustained minor injuries.

One of the greatest cricketing idols in India, his return to the first-class scene after over ten years undoubtedly drew a sizable crowd. In order to see the great batter in action, fans flocked to the stadium as early as five in the morning.

To control the number of spectators, DDCA Secretary Ashok Kumar Sharma had previously disclosed that a copy of an Aadhar card was needed to enter the stadium. But controlling the throng proved to be difficult because so many supporters were attempting to get in. In order to avoid a recurrence of the mayhem in the days that follow the tragedy, security measures have been reinforced.

JioCinema made the decision to live-stream the game for fans who wanted to witness the star batter in real time after the official announcement of Kohli’s availability for the match. The captain of the home team, Ayush Badoni, chose to field first after winning the toss. Early in the game, a pitch invader ran onto the field, touched the 36-year-old’s feet, and was subsequently removed by security guards. Additionally, the veteran gave the security signal to avoid making things too emotional.