The Karnataka State Cricket Association has received government approval to host international and IPL matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, pending compliance with safety and security conditions. A press conference with further details will be held soon.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has received official approval from the Home Department of the Government of Karnataka to host international and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at theย M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
However, the green light will comeย after specific terms and conditions mandated by the government and other concerned authorities, are followed by KSCA. The association has already submitted a comprehensive compliance roadmap to the Expert Review Committee, demonstrating its commitment to upholding all necessary safety, security, and crowd management protocols.
Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the official spokesperson for KSCA, confirmed that the association is dedicated to implementing all prescribed measures in both letter and spirit. KSCA President B. K. Venkatesh Prasad is expected to hold a press conference soon to share the details.
The controversy, reaction and what really happened behind the scene?
Following the death of 11 people, including children, on June 4th, Chinnaswamy was closed for all cricket-related activities. The Womenโs World Cup matches, including the final was shifted to a different venue and RCB were in a hunt to finalise Navi Mumbai and Raipur as their two venues for the IPL 2026.
Following the incident, several arrests were made and the team management was questioned for their role, especially after police denied permission to host a parade initially. However, the matter softened in the last few months.
In the meantime, KSCA president Prasad was determined to bring IPL back to the state and held several meetings with government officials to make it happen. Only two days ago, RCB announced the installation of AI-based cameras at the stadium to regulate fan movement, which boosted the chance of getting the clearance.ย
Now, it needs to be seen if Bengaluru play all their home matches this year at the Chinnaswamy or a few of them outside the city. The franchise is expected to make it clear in the upcoming days, as the IPL is set to begin in just over two monthโs time.