The status of IPL 2026 matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is still unclear despite initial approval from the Karnataka government. This situation has turned into a complicated discussion involving the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and state officials. With the IPL season starting on March 26, more clarity is needed.
This uncertainty stems from the tragic incident on June 4, 2025, when post-match celebrations for RCB’s first IPL title ended in a stampede outside the stadium, resulting in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries. Following this, matches at the venue were put on hold. An inquiry led by Justice John Michael Cunha recommended several safety measures, and a second panel led by M. Maheshwar Rao evaluated compliance with these recommendations.
Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil recently announced that the Cabinet has decided to permit IPL matches at the stadium, but with specific conditions. The Home Department must issue orders detailing the compliance requirements for the KSCA and RCB. Key among the conditions is to widen stadium gates and access points to enhance crowd control and safety.
The KSCA has indicated that significant safety and infrastructure upgrades are ongoing. Several spectator access points are being widened based on expert advice, and officials state that this work is on track to be finished by the end of the month. However, RCB seems to prefer a full clearance without conditions due to the sensitivities from last year’s tragedy.
Meanwhile, RCB is reportedly considering moving some matches to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. The hold-up in confirming Bengaluru as a venue is also delaying the announcement of the IPL 2026 schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is waiting for the dates of Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala before finalizing the fixture list, as the IPL schedule typically aligns with election times for security reasons.
A similar scenario is occurring in Jaipur, where the Rajasthan Royals have asked the state government for formal indemnity before hosting games at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The franchise has requested liability protection related to structural, safety, or public safety issues beyond their control. Reports suggest that RR plans to play four out of their seven home games in Jaipur after discussions with the government.
