The status of the IPL 2026 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is uncertain despite initial approval from the Karnataka government. What should have been a simple confirmation has become complicated, involving the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and state officials. With the IPL season starting on March 26, everyone is awaiting more information.
This uncertainty follows the tragic events of June 4, 2025, when a stampede during celebrations after RCB’s first IPL title resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries. Consequently, cricket matches at the venue were suspended.
The Karnataka government established an inquiry committee led by Justice John Michael Cunha, which provided several safety recommendations. Another group, chaired by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M. Maheshwar Rao, was later tasked with reviewing compliance with these suggestions.
Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil recently announced that the Cabinet has decided to allow IPL matches at the stadium, although this approval involves specific conditions.
The Home Department has been directed to issue special orders detailing the compliance requirements for both the KSCA and RCB. One significant condition includes the expansion of stadium gates and access points to improve crowd management and safety.
KSCA Upgrades Delay IPL 2026 Clearance for RCB and RR
The KSCA has confirmed that major infrastructure and safety upgrades are underway, including widening several spectator gates and access points.
Officials indicate that the work is progressing as scheduled and should be completed by the end of the month. However, the franchise is seeking full clearance rather than just conditional approval due to the sensitivity surrounding last year’s incident. Meanwhile, RCB is considering Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium as a backup venue.
The IPL 2026 schedule also awaits approval from the BCCI, which is pending the assembly election dates in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Additionally, the Rajasthan Royals have approached the government for indemnity to host matches in Jaipur.
