Big Boost for RCB! M Chinnaswamy gets green signal to host IPL 2026 games but at THIS condition
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The M Chinnaswamy stadium was barred from hosting cricketing events after June 4 stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 celebrations.
In a significant boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, the Karnataka Cabinet has authorised the return of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to the legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The Karnataka cabinet has approved RCB‘s IPL 2026 home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue had been restricted from hosting fixtures following the stampede on June 4 during RCB’s inaugural IPL triumph celebrations.
This led to the Bengaluru stadium losing the hosting for domestic T20 tournaments and even the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches, which were moved to DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
During the elections, Venkatesh Prasad, the new head of the KSCA, made no secret of his desire to bring international cricket and the IPL back to Bengaluru. He met with the Karnataka government and RCB management on the matter several times, and at last, a solution was found.
Karnataka government puts strict conditions on KSCA for hosting RCB matches in IPL 2026
Cricket is finally returning to its spiritual home in the city after months of uncertainty following the horrific stampede at the IPL 2025 triumph celebrations. The Karnataka government has stated that safety is still a top priority, despite the growing excitement.
There are strict rules attached to the permission to host IPL matches. Before approving, authorities looked over updated security and operations plans.
A simplified entry and exit system is part of the updated plan to guarantee that fans may enter and exit the stadium more easily. In order to avoid traffic jams and preserve order during peak hours, it also integrates scientific crowd dispersal techniques.
To improve overall safety, security deployment has been greatly expanded, and emergency response and medical personnel will be stationed on-site to manage any unforeseen circumstances.
“The cabinet agreed with certain conditions as per the Cunha report. He had mentioned certain conditions in the report, a maximum of 35,000 people, and some other conditions. Accordingly, we have taken the decision,” Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy told reporters on Thursday.
Along with better traffic management routes to control vehicle movement around the site, the new blueprint also guarantees real-time coordination between control rooms for enhanced communication and quicker decision-making.
To guarantee seamless match-day operations, Bengaluru Police, BBMP, and other authorities have been directed to collaborate closely. Authorities have cautioned that any violation of safety regulations may lead to prompt action.
Why was the M Chinnaswamy Stadium was banned from hosting events?
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was banned because of a stampede that happened in June 4 during RCB’s IPL 2025 celebration that claimed 11 lives.
Who approved the return of cricket at the Bengaluru stadium?
The Karnataka State government had formed a special committee that has green lit the return of cricket at the Bengaluru stadium.
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