The Indian Premier League 2026 matches will go ahead at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru received formal approval from the Karnataka government on Monday.The decision brings an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the venue following the tragic stampede that occurred during celebrations after RCB’s maiden IPL title victory earlier this year.
Government clearance after expert review
The approval came after a meeting chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar with an expert committee appointed by the state government. Representatives from KSCA, RCB and event management company DNA also attended the meeting. During the discussions, the committee presented a detailed report on the preparedness and safety measures implemented at the stadium ahead of the upcoming IPL season.According to KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the committee’s recommendations and the government’s review of the arrangements paved the way for the official clearance.“The Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. After reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon’ble Home Minister formally approved the conduct of IPL matches at the venue,” the statement said.
Chinnaswamy to host tournament opener
The 19th edition of the IPL will begin on March 28, with defending champions RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at the Bengaluru venue. Apart from the opening fixture, the stadium is also scheduled to host the tournament’s opening ceremony and the popular RCB Unboxing event, which traditionally marks the franchise’s start to the new season.
RCB’s home match schedule
RCB will play five of their seven home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the IPL 2026 season. The franchise has planned to stage the remaining two home fixtures at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. This arrangement ensures that Bengaluru remains the primary home base for the team while allowing flexibility for a couple of matches at an alternate venue.
KSCA thanks government and committee
The Karnataka State Cricket Association expressed gratitude to the state government and the expert committee for facilitating the approval process.“Our special thanks are also due to Shri Sreemant Kumar Singh, Member Secretary of the Expert Committee and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, for his proactive coordination and for ensuring that all safety, security and operational aspects were comprehensively evaluated,” the release said.“KSCA further expresses its sincere appreciation to all the distinguished members of the Expert Committee and the officials associated with the Expert Committee and its sub-committees, whose careful assessment and constructive recommendations have been instrumental in enabling this important decision.”
