Will Chinnaswamy Stadium host cricket matches in 2026? Home Minister to review safety measures on Feb 11

With IPL season approaching, Home Minister G. Parameshwara has convened a meeting of officials and representatives of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on February 11 to discuss the possibility of providing clearance to host matches in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On June 4, 2025, 11 persons died in a stampede outside the stadium during celebrations of RCB’s maiden victory in the IPL tournament.

After meeting a delegation of KSCA and RCB representatives, led by KSCA President M. Venkatesh Prasad, the Home Minister told mediapersons in Bengaluru that Bengaluru could be included in the IPL schedule only after clearance from the State Government.

He said, “I have given time on February 11 for a meeting in which senior GBA and police officials, along with Law Department officials, will take part. We will discuss what can be done at the government level and the kind of instructions to be given to KSCA. The level of redressal of issues flagged by Justice D’Cunha will have to be considered. We will have to take Chief Minister’s approval.”

On June 4, 2025, 11 persons died in a stampede outside the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the celebrations of RCB’s maiden win of the IPL trophy. As a result, the State Government stopped giving clearance for hosting cricket matches in the stadium. A probe committee headed by Justice Michael D’Cunha recommended 17 changes to increase safety of spectators.

The Home Minister said that the State Government had written to KSCA and RCB to fulfil the conditions. A State Government committee to oversee implementation of the recommendations had visited the stadium to ensure corrective measures are implemented within a timeline.

“They are implementing the necessary measures. They want inclusion of Bengaluru in the schedule for international cricket matches and the IPL tournament. KSCA has given a representation in this regard. Only after our clearance will Bengaluru be a part of the IPL schedule. Though people, especially youth, want cricket matches in Bengaluru, safety is also important as 11 lives were lost. Such things should not be repeated,” he said.