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Karnataka Cabinet Approves IPL Return to Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium

The Karnataka cabinet has approved the hosting of IPL matches at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium, implementing the safety recommendations of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha Report. This decision comes after a tragic stampede in June 2025 during an RCB celebration led to the stadium's closure for major events. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasized that public safety remains the top priority with strict norms on ticketing and crowd regulation. The final decision to host games now rests with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have proposed AI surveillance for crowd management.

Key Points: IPL Matches Approved for Chinnaswamy Stadium by Karnataka Cabinet

  • Cabinet approval for IPL matches
  • Implementation of Justice D'Cunha Report
  • Focus on public safety and crowd norms
  • Decision follows 2025 stampede tragedy
  • RCB to decide on hosting home games
2 min read

Karnataka cabinet gives green light for IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

Karnataka cabinet greenlights IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium with strict safety norms from the Justice D'Cunha Report.

Karnataka cabinet gives green light for IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
"Good News for Cricket Lovers of Bengaluru & Karnataka... we move forward, - DK Shivakumar"

Bengaluru, February 13

Following the recommendation from a govt-appointed expert committee, the Karnataka cabinet has given approval for the Indian Premier League matches to be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha Report will be implemented, with strict adherence to norms on ticketing, crowd regulation, and stadium access.

"Good News for Cricket Lovers of Bengaluru & Karnataka. In the interest of the sport and its fans, the Cabinet today has taken an important decision to permit the conduct of IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium, while keeping public safety paramount. The recommendations of the Justice John Michael D'Cunha Report will be implemented, with strict adherence to norms on ticketing, crowd regulation, and stadium access. With responsibility and accountability, we move forward," Shivakumar posted on X.

Shivakumar, a lifetime member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), emphasised that public safety would remain the top priority.

Earlier, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Thursday confirmed that the state cabinet had cleared the KSCA to host the IPL at the iconic stadium, following the recommendations of the Cunha report, which include a maximum crowd capacity of 35,000 and other safety guidelines.

The decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha, attended by senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, State DGP MA Salim, and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh.

KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad and Secretary, along with office bearers from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), were also present. Prasad described the Cabinet's nod as "extremely positive" and expressed gratitude to the Home Minister for constituting the safety committee.

Cricket at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been suspended since June 2025, when a stampede during RCB's IPL title celebration resulted in 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Since then, high-profile tournaments, including the ICC Women's ODI World Cup, were relocated at short notice amid safety concerns.

With the Cabinet's clearance, the onus now shifts to RCB, who hold the right to host the next IPL final as defending champions, to decide whether to play their home games at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise has proposed installing AI-enabled surveillance systems to ensure efficient crowd management.

IPL 2026 will start on March 26 and conclude on May 31. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the reigning IPL champions and will be hoping to defend their title this season.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
While I'm happy for cricket fans, the decision feels rushed. The 2025 stampede was a massive tragedy. Are we sure 35,000 capacity and AI surveillance are enough? The authorities need to be extra vigilant this time. Safety over spectacle, always.
A
Aman W
Good move by the cabinet. The Justice D'Cunha report seems thorough. Implementing strict ticketing and crowd control is key. Hope RCB management and KSCA work seamlessly with the police. Bengaluru's economy, especially hotels and restaurants, will get a nice boost.
S
Sarah B
As someone who was in the city during the previous incident, I appreciate the emphasis on safety. The AI surveillance proposal is a step in the right direction. Let's hope the lessons from the past are truly learned. Wishing RCB the best for their title defense!
V
Vikram M
Finally! Chinnaswamy without cricket felt wrong. The stadium is an icon. Glad they've taken a balanced approach. Now, about those ticket prices... hope they are kept reasonable for the common fan. #PlayBold
K
Karthik V
A responsible decision. The involvement of the Home Minister and top police officials in the meeting shows seriousness. The onus is now on RCB and every spectator to follow rules. Let's bring back the joy of cricket safely. Jai Karnataka!

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