Chinnaswamy Stadium cleared to host IPL and international matches again

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been cleared to host IPL and international matches again after months of suspension following the 2025 stampede tragedy. KSCA assured compliance with safety measures, while RCB’s IPL 2026 home venue remains under discussion

New Delhi: The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been cleared to host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket matches again, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) said on Saturday.

“We are pleased to announce that the Home Department, Government of Karnataka, has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association to host international and IPL matches at the iconic venue. The permission is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the government and concerned authorities,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, KSCA spokesperson, in a statement.

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The formal approval for marquee cricket fixtures to return to the venue has ended months of uncertainty after the stadium was taken off the calendar following a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title-winning celebrations on June 4, when eleven people were killed and 56 injured.

In its aftermath, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shifted several major events away from the Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the Duleep Trophy, the India–South Africa men’s A series, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, including the final.

Hosting matches at the ground again was subject to the implementation of recommendations from the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, which was part of the investigation into the tragedy.

“KSCA is confident of fulfilling all the stipulated conditions. The Association has already presented a detailed compliance roadmap before the Expert Review Committee and remains fully committed to implementing all safety, security and crowd-management measures in letter and spirit,” added Mruthyunjaya.

The KSCA also endured administrative upheaval, operating without a treasurer and secretary for months after both resigned, citing moral responsibility for the tragedy. Last year, the Venkatesh Prasad-led panel took charge and prioritised bringing back matches to the iconic venue.

With the state government’s clearance now secured, it remains to be seen if RCB will play all of its IPL 2026 home games at Chinnaswamy, considering that its vice-president Rajesh Menon met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai to discuss staging two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.