IPL – Karnataka Clears Bengaluru Stadium for 2026 Season
IPL – The Karnataka government has approved the return of Indian Premier League matches to Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, acting on recommendations made by a state-appointed expert panel. The decision, announced after a cabinet meeting, allows the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host IPL fixtures at the venue under revised safety protocols.
Safety Measures to Guide Tournament Hosting
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the state will implement the findings of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Committee, which was tasked with reviewing stadium safety arrangements. According to Shivakumar, the approval has been granted with a clear emphasis on public security, structured ticketing procedures, and regulated crowd entry and exit systems.
He noted that the government’s decision balances sporting interests with the need to prevent any recurrence of past incidents. Authorities have made it clear that compliance with safety standards will not be optional, and monitoring mechanisms will remain in place throughout the tournament.
Expert Panel Recommendations Adopted
The Justice John Michael D’Cunha report laid out a series of safeguards, including capping attendance at 35,000 spectators and strengthening surveillance and emergency response infrastructure. These guidelines form the basis of the cabinet’s clearance.
State Minister Ramalinga Reddy earlier stated that the Karnataka State Cricket Association received permission to proceed only after accepting the committee’s recommendations in full. Officials indicated that future matches would operate within clearly defined capacity limits and logistical controls.
High-Level Review Before Final Approval
The decision followed a detailed review meeting chaired by Home Minister G Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha. Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, Director General of Police MA Salim, and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, assessed preparedness plans before the final nod was issued.
Representatives from the Karnataka State Cricket Association, including President Venkatesh Prasad, attended the meeting along with office-bearers of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. After the cabinet’s approval, Prasad described the development as encouraging and thanked the government for forming the expert safety committee.
Background: Suspension After 2025 Tragedy
Cricket activities at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium had been halted since June 2025, when a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL title celebration led to 11 fatalities and several injuries. The incident prompted widespread concern over crowd control and emergency management at large sporting gatherings.
In the months that followed, prominent events such as the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup were shifted away from Bengaluru due to safety apprehensions. The temporary suspension underscored the urgency of reviewing infrastructure and operational procedures at the stadium.
Responsibility Now with the Franchise
With the government’s clearance in place, attention turns to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who hold the right to host matches as defending champions. The franchise is expected to decide whether to stage its home fixtures at the Chinnaswamy Stadium under the newly mandated framework.
Team representatives have proposed deploying AI-enabled surveillance systems to enhance real-time crowd monitoring and streamline entry management. Authorities indicated that any technological upgrades would need to align with the state’s broader security blueprint.
IPL 2026 Schedule in Focus
The upcoming IPL 2026 season is scheduled to begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31. As reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to defend their title, and Bengaluru supporters may once again see top-tier cricket return to their home ground—this time under significantly tighter safety oversight.
Government officials have reiterated that the revival of IPL matches at the stadium reflects a cautious but confident step forward. While cricket is set to resume, public safety remains central to every operational decision linked to the tournament.