On February 12, 2026, the Karnataka government gave Royal Challengers Bengaluru permission to play their home games of IPL 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 35,000 spectator capacity, as announced by Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy. An investigation headed by A. Cunha and a report of the expert committee opined that the venue was not safe following a stampede that took place on June 4, wherein 11 persons had died, and which prompted the ban.
Potential Return to Bengaluru for RCB’s IPL 2026 Opener
A series of meetings has taken place between KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad and the Karnataka government and RCB management to consider the resolution, with 300 to 350 AI-enabled camera solutions proposed along with a special order from the Home Department.
Having cleared the way, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is expected to begin their IPL 2026 season from Bengaluru, with Home Minister G. Parameshwara providing a further explanation, though RCB management is yet to say anything on the subject.
Traditionally, the rights for the hosting of opening and crucial games are given to the defending champions, although it will be for a smaller crowd, and RCB has shortlisted DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur, as venues.
Government Approves IPL 2026 Matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Under Strict Guidelines
While speaking to reporters on Thursday, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy revealed that approval has been granted to the Karnataka State Cricket Association for the Indian Premier League 2026, which is set to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The approval has reportedly been granted by the state government, taking into consideration all the guidelines issued by the Cunha Committee, which include a maximum crowd of 35,000.
Minister Reddy has stated that it is approved with certain conditions as per the Cunha report. “There were 35,000 persons, as I mentioned, and certain conditions. Therefore, as per those conditions, it is made.”
How Bengaluru Is Preparing for IPL 2026
Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara had a meeting with KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, KSCA Secretary, and others at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday to discuss the arrangement of cricket matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Other prominent individuals who were present on the occasion were Additional Chief Secretary of Home Department Tushar Girinath, State DGP M A Salim, GBA Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Home Department Secretary KV Sarathchandra, Bangalore City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, President of Karnataka State Cricket Association Venkatesh Prasad, Secretary of KSCA, and office-bearers of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), a Bengaluru-based IPL team.
After that meeting, it was the Cabinet decision on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and everybody was extremely positive, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara constituted that committee.
AI Surveillance and Silence: RCB Management’s Strategy for a Safe Return
For those who do not know, cricket has been suspended at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium since last June due to a stampede resulting in 11 fatalities and several injuries during the celebration of RCB’s IPL win.
There have been no comments from the RCB management regarding this latest development.
Previously, it was proposed by the management of RCB that 300-350 AI cameras would be installed at the stadium for improving crowd management and fan safety, as stated in a letter of proposal.
This, however, was not a guarantee of the return of the RCB to Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026.
The government is concerned about compliance.
Speaking about the essentiality of safety compliance, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stressed that it would definitely not be compromised. He said, “In the interest of our youngsters and the cricketing world as a whole, we have decided that all matches will now take place only in Bengaluru.”
He added to it, saying that it will have to be prevented; they should refrain from selling more tickets than the actual availability. They have to provide whatever has been recommended in the report, like providing ambulances, making bigger gates, sub-conditions, etc. We have permitted it.
Also, Shivakumar further called it great news for all cricket lovers, and he said sorry for the pain, as they missed a great match, but next time they would be very conscious.
Decision taken by the Cabinet
Elaborating on the decision taken by the cabinet, Dr. Parameshwar said, “Tonight, the cabinet has decided to allow both KSCA and RCB to conduct IPL matches in Bengaluru.”
He explained this happened because not all of the recommendations had been fully implemented; however, significant progress had been made.
Besides, another thing Parameshwar explained was that the recommendations were of three types. The first type of recommendations was what we needed to do immediately. The second type of recommendations, as he explained, included the medium-term category, which is gates, parking lots, the health department, ambulances, and all of these. The long-term category was infrastructure.
All the above, on a timeline, they have actually given us a commitment, and the government has accepted all of the above commitments and has permitted them to let the IPL matches be conducted.
