After months of uncertainty, the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to return to the cricketing calendar. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has confirmed that the venue has been granted permission to host Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches as well as international fixtures, offering relief to fans and stakeholders following a prolonged suspension of cricket at the ground.
Why cricket was suspended at Chinnaswamy Stadium?
No cricket has been played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium since June last year, after a tragic stampede occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s title celebrations. The incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left several others injured, prompting authorities to suspend sporting activities at the venue while investigations and safety reviews were conducted.
The tragedy cast a long shadow over one of India’s most celebrated cricket stadiums. As a result, the venue was excluded from hosting duties for multiple high-profile tournaments, including the upcoming T20 World Cup. Domestic matches scheduled at the ground, such as fixtures in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, were also relocated to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, further underlining the seriousness of the situation.
KSCA provides big update on conducting IPL 2026 matches
In a significant development, the KSCA announced through an official press release that the Government of Karnataka’s Home Department has now granted approval for cricket to resume at the stadium. This clearance allows the association to host IPL 2026 matches along with international games, marking a major step toward normalcy.
“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 statement read. However, the approval comes with strict conditions, requiring full compliance with guidelines laid down by the government and other concerned authorities.
The return of cricket to the Chinnaswamy Stadium is closely tied to the implementation of safety reforms recommended in the Justice Michael D’Cunha report. The report was commissioned as part of the investigation into the stampede and outlines measures aimed at crowd management, security coordination and emergency response preparedness.
Hosting matches at the venue will depend on how effectively these recommendations are enforced. Authorities are expected to closely monitor compliance, especially during large-scale events such as IPL matches, which routinely attract capacity crowds and high-profile attention.
The decision clears a major hurdle for IPL 2026 planning, particularly for RCB, whose home matches were under question amid venue uncertainty. The Chinnaswamy Stadium’s return not only restores a key IPL venue but also revives the electric atmosphere that Bengaluru is known for during the tournament.
For fans, the update brings cautious optimism. While the return of cricket is welcome, the emphasis on safety protocols is expected to reshape match-day experiences, with tighter controls and enhanced security measures in place.
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