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RCB Must Decide IPL 2026 Return to Chinnaswamy, Says KSCA Chief Prasad

Karnataka State Cricket Association President Venkatesh Prasad states the decision for IPL 2026 matches to return to M Chinnaswamy Stadium now lies with Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The stadium received conditional clearance after being shut since a fatal stampede during RCB's 2025 victory celebrations. Prasad expressed gratitude to the Karnataka government for their support in the clearance process. He added that pending infrastructure work, focused on entries, exits, and safety, is targeted for completion by the end of February.

Key Points: RCB's Call on IPL 2026 at Chinnaswamy: KSCA Chief

  • Conditional clearance for stadium after 2025 stampede
  • RCB considering Navi Mumbai or Raipur as alternate venues
  • Infrastructure upgrades must be completed by February end
  • KSCA awaiting RCB's formal communication and alignment
3 min read

It's now for RCB to come back to us, ball is in their court now, says KSCA head Prasad

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad says RCB must initiate talks for IPL 2026 games at M Chinnaswamy Stadium after conditional clearance.

"It's now for them to come back to us. The ball is in their court now. - Venkatesh Prasad"

Bengaluru, Jan 21

Karnataka State Cricket Association President Venkatesh Prasad said the decision of IPL 2026 games returning to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium now rests with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding that 'the ball is in their court.'

The stadium has not hosted any competitive cricket since June 4, when 11 fans died in a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2025 victory celebrations outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The conditional clearance comes amid discussions over RCB potentially shifting home matches to Navi Mumbai, or Raipur.

"First to think, we are aiming to get back IPL games and all upto RCB. It's left to them - they have to come back and be in sync with KSCA and the government of Karnataka. The ball is in their court now. There's nothing concrete that has come up and we have been talking. So its now for them to come back to us," Prasad told IANS on Wednesday.

He also expressed gratitude to various stakeholders for giving the conditional clearance of hosting games once again. "There is still a lot of work to be done. The job is half done, I should say. We have got the conditional letter, for which I am extremely thankful to the government of Karnataka, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and the Home Minister especially been very supportive, as he himself is a very keen sports enthusiast.

"We had a couple of meetings and phone calls with the Honourable home minister. I think he's been amazing and constituted a committee that visited to see the progress and what is it that we need to be doing. Everything is now in place for sure," added Prasad, the former India pacer.

He also spoke about the other infrastructural work which needs to be done and expressed hope over getting it all done by the end of February. "Yes, it about the entrances and exits, spectators holding areas, and services like the fire department, BESCOM, and others has been mostly completed.

"So it's just a few things are still pending, with entry and exit being one of the most important aspects and fire engine being able to get inside the ground and we are trying to see how we can accommodate that.

"We have provided a timeline based on the recommendations given to us. We have given those timelines, and hopefully, by the end of February, we should be able to complete everything," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a long-time RCB fan living in Bengaluru, the stadium just doesn't feel the same without the IPL. The Chinnaswamy is its home. Hope the management works this out quickly with the authorities. Ee Sala Cup Namde... but first, we need our home back!
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Vikram M
Prasad's tone seems a bit passive-aggressive, no? "Ball is in their court" puts all the onus on RCB. The stadium authority also has a responsibility. This is a joint effort for the fans of Karnataka. Let's not play blame games.
A
Ananya R
The infrastructural upgrades are crucial. Our old stadiums need modernization. If this tragedy leads to better, safer venues for everyone, some good will come of it. Hope they complete the work by Feb end as promised.
M
Michael C
Shifting to Navi Mumbai or Raipur would be a huge blow to the local economy in Bengaluru. So many small businesses depend on match days. Really hope sense prevails and RCB stays put once the safety work is done.
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Karthik V
Good to see the government being supportive. Often these things get stuck in red tape. The Home Minister taking personal interest is a positive sign. Now RCB management, please don't delay. Your fans are waiting.

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