M Chinnaswamy Stadium cleared to host IPL, international matches again
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New Delhi, Jan 17 (IANS): The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been granted permission to host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket matches again, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) announced on Saturday.
“We are pleased to announce that the Home Department, Government of Karnataka, has granted permission to the KSCA to host international and IPL matches at the iconic venue. The permission is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the government and concerned authorities,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, KSCA’s official spokesperson.
The approval brings an end to months of uncertainty after the stadium was removed from the cricketing calendar following a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations on June 4, in which eleven people lost their lives and 56 were injured.
In the aftermath, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shifted several major events away from the Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the Duleep Trophy, India–South Africa men’s A series, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, including the final.
The stadium’s return to hosting matches was contingent on implementing recommendations from the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, prepared as part of the investigation into the tragedy.
“KSCA is confident of fulfilling all the stipulated conditions. The Association has already presented a detailed compliance roadmap before the Expert Review Committee and remains fully committed to implementing all safety, security, and crowd-management measures in letter and spirit,” added Mruthyunjaya.
The KSCA also endured months of administrative upheaval, operating without a treasurer and secretary after both resigned, citing moral responsibility for the tragedy. Last year, the Venkatesh Prasad-led panel took charge and prioritised bringing marquee matches back to the iconic venue.
With the state government’s clearance now in place, it remains to be seen whether RCB will host all its IPL 2026 home games at Chinnaswamy, especially after its vice-president Rajesh Menon met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai to discuss playing two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.
With IANS inputs
