IPL 2026: RCB propose THIS big amount for crowd safety push at Chinnaswamy; Plan to set AI-based cameras
The move comes after reports suggested RCB will play their IPL 2026 home games in Pune.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) iconic home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, has been closed for competitive cricket since the tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, which marred the franchise’s first Indian Premier League (IPL) title celebration.
What should have been a joyous victory parade for lakhs of ecstatic fans turned into a nightmare when poor crowd management led to a tragic crush outside the venue, claiming the lives of 11 people and injuring many others.
A subsequent investigation squarely blamed the Royal Challengers for encouraging massive gatherings without obtaining necessary permissions from civic and police authorities.
The tragedy resulted in the complete suspension of all cricket activities at Chinnaswamy, exclusion from hosting any matches in the T20 World Cup 2026, and denial of permission for even domestic tournaments such as the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
With the IPL 2026 tentatively scheduled to begin on March 26, and defending champions traditionally hosting the opener, uncertainty looms large over whether Bengaluru will remain RCB’s home ground.
Reports suggest the franchise is seriously exploring contingency plans, including shifting home matches to alternative venues such as Raipur or Pune, where discussions have already taken place with local cricket associations.
RCB’s proposal to enhance security measures at Chinnaswamy
In a determined effort to reverse this situation and restore Chinnaswamy as a safe, viable venue, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have now taken a proactive and substantial initiative.
The franchise has formally proposed to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) the installation of 300–350 advanced AI-enabled cameras across the stadium premises. Significantly, RCB have committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of the project, estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore.
Partnering with Staqu, a technology firm with experience serving the Bihar Police, the Election Commission of India, and large-scale prison surveillance projects, the proposed system will utilise real-time video analytics, facial recognition, crowd density monitoring, perimeter and object tracking, and intelligent analysis of video, audio, and text data.
According to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, this cutting-edge surveillance solution will empower KSCA officials and law enforcement to:
- Efficiently manage crowd flow and movement
- Enforce disciplined queueing at entry points
- Instantly detect and prevent unauthorised access
- Track real-time entries and exits
- Identify potential risks well in advance
The franchise believes that integrating such technology will significantly improve crowd management standards and make the matchday experience safer and more secure for every fan.
Why is Chinnaswamy Stadium currently not hosting any cricket matches?
All cricket activities were suspended after a deadly stampede on June 4, 2025, during RCB’s title celebration, which claimed 11 lives due to poor crowd control.
What exactly did RCB propose to fix the situation?
RCB has formally suggested installing 300–350 advanced AI-enabled cameras across the stadium. RCB has committed to bearing the full ₹4.5 crore installation cost.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.