IPL 2026: The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has received official permission from the Government of Karnataka to host Indian Premier League matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, bringing clarity over the venue status for the upcoming season.
The clearance follows discussions between the state authorities, the KSCA and RCB regarding the conduct of high-attendance sporting events at the stadium, particularly in light of security and crowd-management considerations after the stampede that happened during RCB’s trophy celebration in June last year.
KSCA secretary Santosh Menon confirmed the development to Cricbuzz. He added that the Expert Committee, satisfied with the infrastructural changes at the venue following an inspection and a mock demonstration on March 13, conveyed its findings to the Karnataka government, which then gave the green signal to KSCA to hold IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In a media release, KSCA said a meeting was held at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. The Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the stadium.
Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements, the Home Minister formally approved the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA also stated that the entire KSCA team, under the leadership of Venkatesh Prasad, worked closely with the Home Minister, Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, Expert Committee, Expert Sub-committee, other ministers, senior state government officials and statutory authorities to ensure compliance with the recommendations. The association said this coordinated effort played a significant role in bringing cricket back to the stadium.
KSCA further stated that it looks forward to extending full cooperation and support to RCB in hosting the upcoming IPL matches in a safe and professionally managed manner.
The venue will host the opening match of the season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Overall, the Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five league-stage home matches of RCB, while the team will play the remaining two home games in Raipur. The stadium will also host one playoff match and the final.
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