Karnataka cabinet clears IPL at Chinnaswamy for 2026 season

The Karnataka cabinet on Thursday approved the return of IPL matches to Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the 2026 season, reversing a suspension imposed after last year’s stampede. The decision allows Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to host their home fixtures at the venue, which had been barred following the June 4 stampede during the franchise’s title celebrations. Eleven people were killed and several others injured in the incident, which also led to the Women’s World Cup final being moved from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai and the stadium’s exclusion from India’s list of venues for the men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. The cabinet said the home department will finalise the order with the detailed terms, and that the recommendations of the Justice Cunha Committee and the Maheshwara Rao Expert Committee were considered in arriving at the decision.

Officials indicated the home department would spell out the conditions in the order, including any new safety norms and preparations to be followed. A high-level committee, comprising the GBA chief and the city police commissioner, was formed to oversee the transition and ensure compliance with the recommendations. Short-term safety upgrades must be completed by March 15 ahead of the IPL season starting March 26, along with other measures outlined by the respective committees.

RCB fans are poised for a return to their home venue, with the Karnataka State Cricket Association directed to implement the approved recommendations. The move signals Bengaluru’s continuing prominence in Indian cricket and underscores the balancing act between crowd safety and hosting major sports events. The cabinet’s decision aims to restore cricketing operations while addressing the concerns that led to last year’s ban and the disruptions to other marquee events in the city.

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