In a major development of the KSCA-RCB saga, the Karnataka government has given the final clearance to the KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) and RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) for hosting their IPL 2026 matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It is worth noting that an expert committee was appointed by the government of Karnataka, as they inspected the Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13 before they gave their final seal of approval ahead of the 19th edition of the IPL.
It is interesting to note that the KSCA is making several changes to the stadium, widely renovating it. The board has been installing new entry gates and widening the existing ones. Furthermore, new walkways, as well as direct entry and exit routes for emergency routes, are being made as well.ย
Notably, the board had a deadline of March 15 to complete the renovations, as per the recommendations of the Justice D’Cunha Committee, which were put in place after the tragic events of the stampede in the city after RCBโs maiden IPL title win.ย
The upgrades to the stadium began in December 2025 after the KSCA elections. Venkatesh Prasadโs committee has been in constant touch with the government regarding several different aspects of the renovation.ย
RCB set to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL season opener
Speaking of RCB, the side is set to kick off the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 season as the defending champions. Having won the title in 2025, RCB will be taking on the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener of the tournament on March 28.ย
After the SRH clash, RCB will be taking on five-time champions Chennai Super Kings on April 5. For the first half of the schedule that was announced, these two were the only matches for RCB that would be played at home. In total, the defending champions will be playing five games at their home venue.
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