Karnataka State Cabinet has officially granted permission for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) home matches for the IPL 2026 season. Its announcement on Thursday constitutes a near-closing chapter in months of uncertainty and legal battles that dogged the venue following a tragic incident at the venue last year. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Home Minister G. Parameshwara also indicated that the green signal was promulgated after an elite meeting with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as well as RCB representatives.
Ending the Hosting Drought
The iconic stadium has been clouded since June 4, 2025, when a brutal stampede during RCB’s rookie IPL title celebrations killed 11. Following the incident:
- The venue was prohibited from hosting major events, including the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 games.
- The franchise was blamed by the state government for "unauthorised" celebrations and a lack of crowd control.
- Fearing a permanent ban, RCB had reportedly explored other home bases in Pune and Raipur.
Strict Safety Riders and the "Cunha Report"
The Cabinet’s blessing is not unconditional. It has a list of compulsory safety rules based on the recommendation from the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee:
- Capacity restriction: To avoid crowding, attendance will be capped to a maximum of 35,000 persons.
- Upgrade Infrastructure: The stadium has to widen its entry and exit gates, and put in AI-connected surveillance cameras for real-time monitoring of crowds.
- Medical Preparedness: Dedicated ambulance lanes and greater emergency medical stations need to work during game days.
Inaugural Ceremony in Bengaluru
As defending champions, RCB has a well-established tradition of hosting the IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony. With Cabinet permission, the KSCA has confirmed that the gala event will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, for a "homecoming" of the champions.
When she spoke, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar said that "The interest of our youth and the spirit of cricket took precedence." “With these new safety measures and facilities, we are confident that Bengaluru will demonstrate a standard of hosting safe sporting events.”
