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IPL Returns to Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium After Safety Review

The Karnataka state cabinet has granted approval for the Indian Premier League to return to Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The decision follows the safety recommendations of the Cunha report, which includes a maximum crowd capacity of 35,000 spectators. The stadium's use was suspended last June after a tragic stampede during an RCB celebration resulted in 11 fatalities. KSCA officials have welcomed the cabinet's decision, describing the outcome as extremely positive for cricket in the city.

Key Points: IPL Returns to Chinnaswamy Stadium After Karnataka Cabinet Nod

  • IPL approved for Chinnaswamy Stadium
  • 35,000 maximum crowd capacity
  • Decision based on Cunha report safety guidelines
  • Stadium was closed after fatal 2023 stampede
  • KSCA and RCB officials involved in planning
2 min read

IPL to return at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Karnataka cabinet gives approval

Karnataka cabinet approves IPL at Chinnaswamy Stadium with 35,000 crowd limit, following Cunha report recommendations after last year's stampede.

"The cabinet agreed with certain conditions as per the Cunha report. - Minister Ramalinga Reddy"

Bengaluru, February 12

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the state cabinet has given approval to the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host the Indian Premier League at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the decision follows the recommendations of the Cunha report, including a maximum crowd capacity of 35,000 and other specified guidelines.

"The cabinet agreed with certain conditions as per the Cunha report. He mentioned in the report a maximum of 35,000 people and other conditions. Accordingly, we have made the decision," Minister Reddy said.

Earlier, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara chaired a meeting with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad, the KSCA Secretary and others at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday to discuss the organisation of cricket tournaments at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The session was attended by Additional Chief Secretary of the 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, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, KSCA Secretary and the Indian Premier League's (IPL) Bengaluru-based franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) office bearers.

After the meeting, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad said they were awaiting the Cabinet decision on the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, describing the outcome as "extremely positive" and thanking Home Minister G Parameshwara for forming the committee.

For the unversed, cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been suspended since June last year after 11 people died and several were injured in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title celebration.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I'm happy for cricket fans, my heart still aches for the families who lost loved ones in that stampede. I hope the KSCA and police have a foolproof crowd management plan this time. The Cunha report recommendations must be followed to the letter.
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Vikram M
Excellent decision by the cabinet. Bengaluru's economy, especially hotels and restaurants around the stadium, really suffered without the IPL matches. This will be a big boost. Just ensure proper traffic arrangements, the MG Road area becomes a nightmare on match days!
A
Ananya R
Respectfully, I think this is being rushed. The trauma from last year's incident is still fresh. Are we sure all safety audits are complete? A few more months of thorough preparation would not hurt. The lives lost demand more caution from the authorities.
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David E
As someone who attended a match there before the suspension, the atmosphere is electric. Glad they are implementing a crowd cap. Hope they use this as an opportunity to upgrade facilities and entry/exit points. Safety and a great fan experience can go hand in hand.
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Karthik V
Good move! Chinnaswamy without IPL felt empty. RCB's home advantage is back. Now, can they finally win the trophy? 😄 Jokes aside, the authorities have a huge responsibility to ensure nothing goes wrong. All the best to the team and the organizers.

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