The Aryavarth Express
Bengaluru (Karnataka): The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the conduct of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, following recommendations from a government-appointed expert committee.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Report would be implemented with strict compliance on ticketing, crowd regulation and stadium access.
“Good news for cricket lovers of Bengaluru and Karnataka. In the interest of the sport and its fans, the Cabinet has permitted 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,” Shivakumar posted on X, adding that responsibility and accountability would guide the process.
Earlier, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the Cabinet had cleared the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host IPL matches at the iconic venue. As per the report’s recommendations, a maximum crowd capacity of 35,000 will be enforced along with other safety guidelines.
The decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha. Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, State DGP MA Salim and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh were present.
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, along with other office-bearers and representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), also attended the meeting. Prasad described the Cabinet’s decision as “extremely positive” and thanked the Home Minister for constituting the safety committee.
Cricket activities at the stadium have remained suspended since June 2025, when a stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebration led to 11 deaths and multiple injuries. Subsequently, major tournaments, including the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, were relocated due to safety concerns.
With the Cabinet’s clearance, the focus now shifts to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning IPL champions, who hold the right to host the next IPL final. The franchise has proposed installing AI-enabled surveillance systems to strengthen crowd management.
IPL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31, with RCB aiming to defend their title.
