Amidst all the tension and rivalry going on between two states Chennai and Karnataka, the Karnataka cricket association has decided to shift their opening fixture out of Chennai and now they will play their first Ranji trophy game at Greater Noida stadium. The venue has been changed keeping in mind the tension going on between the states. Karnataka was scheduled to play their opening Ranji fixture from October 13 at MA Chidambaram stadium, Chepauk, Chennai against Jharkhand but now venue has been shifted keeping in minds the security of the players.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also confirmed the change of venue from Chennai to Greater Noida but did not mention any specific reason that why the venue has been changed. KSCA has been informed regarding the change of venue.

The Greater Noida stadium recently hosted the inaugural edition of pink ball Duleep Trophy 2016/17 which the Gautam Gambhir led India Blue won by defeating India Red in the final.

Karnataka cricket association is yet to announce their squad for the Ranji trophy as the Karnataka players are currently playing Karnataka premier league and the team will be selected on the basis of performance in the T20 league. However, there is 100% possibility of R. Vinay Kumar leading the team once again as Karnataka won the Ranji Trophy 2013/14 and 2014/15 under his leadership. They also won Vijay Hazare trophy 2014/15 and an Irani Cup trophy, all under his leadership.

This year BCCI has introduced the concept of neutral venues in Ranji trophy, according to which all the teams will play their eight group stage matches at different venues with none of the eight games played on their home ground.