Chinnaswamy Stadium Set To Resume IPL Cricket Matches In 2026
Shivakumar stated “We do not want any matches to go out of Bengaluru”
BENGALURU: The State Government withdrew hosting rights for major cricket tournament at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru city after stampede at the stadium killed 11 persons and injured about 70 persons on June this year while putting doubts over the conduct of Indian Premier League Matches in 2026, however, the State cabinet meeting accorded permission for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)-operators of M. Chinnaswamy stadium to hold cricket matches including home matches of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The stampede at the stadium occurred during felicitation to RCB players on winning IPL-2025. A huge crowd gathered and tried to make their way into the stadium to watch the felicitation, mainly top cricketer-Virat Kohli.
The stampede incident probed by Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission’s findings led to withdrawal of hosting rights at the Chinnaswamy stadium and acting on the report, the Ranji tournament was shifted to Mysuru and no matches of 2025 women’s cricket world cup were played at the Chinnaswamy stadium.
A Bengaluru based senior advocate N.P. Amruthesh petitioned Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not to permit IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium until the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission are fully implemented, crowd management plans revised and certified clearances are obtained.
The advocate, in his petition to Siddaramaiah, stated “no formal safety clearances has been granted by officials of Public Works Department, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, traffic department among others related departments.
On allowing IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium, Bengaluru incharge and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday told reporters Home Minister Dr G. Parameshwar will hold discussion with the office-bearers of KSC on conduct of cricket matches at the Chinnaswamy matches based on the Cunha Commission report. Shivakumar stated “We do not want any matches to go out of Bengaluru.”
A couple of days back, newly elected president of KSCA and former cricket Venkatesh Prasad met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar on allowing matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium and he exuded confidence of the State Government permitting IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Repeated calls to Venkatesh Prasad went futile as his mobile phone was in switched off mode.
