NEW DELHI: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed on Thursday that the upcoming Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir will be played in Hubballi. The move has been made to allow safety upgrade work at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to progress faster.The final will begin on February 24.“KSCA had the option of hosting this prestigious final either at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, or at the KSCA Hubballi grounds. After careful evaluation and detailed consultations, the Association, in coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India, has taken a considered and strategic decision to stage the final at Hubballi,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA official spokesperson.He said infrastructure and safety upgrade work is in progress at the Bengaluru venue as per recommendations of a state-appointed expert committee and other authorities.“Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works.”“In view of these ongoing developments, it would not have been feasible to ensure the high-quality match-viewing experience and spectator convenience that a marquee fixture such as the Ranji Trophy Final deserves,” said Mruthyunjaya.He added that the shift also allows a major match to be staged outside Bengaluru, in line with the vision of the newly elected KSCA managing committee led by Venkatesh Prasad.“This initiative is aimed at promoting cricket across the State, nurturing regional fan engagement, and strengthening the sporting ecosystem beyond Bengaluru,” he added.