Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 17: The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has received official clearance to once again host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket matches, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed on Saturday.
Announcing the development, KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said the Home Department of the Karnataka government has granted permission for the resumption of high-profile fixtures at the venue, subject to strict adherence to conditions laid down by the authorities. “The approval comes with specific terms and conditions, and KSCA is committed to complying with all prescribed requirements,” he said in a statement.
The decision brings an end to months of uncertainty surrounding the stadium’s future as a major cricketing venue. Chinnaswamy was removed from the cricket calendar following a tragic stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 title celebrations on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and left 56 people injured.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) relocated several key tournaments and series from the stadium, including the Duleep Trophy, the India–South Africa Men’s A series, the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, along with its final.
The green light to resume hosting matches was contingent on the implementation of recommendations made by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee, which was constituted to investigate the tragedy. Mruthyunjaya said KSCA has already submitted a comprehensive compliance plan to the Expert Review Committee and remains fully committed to strengthening safety, security and crowd-management protocols.
The association has also navigated a period of administrative instability, having operated without a treasurer and secretary for several months after both officials resigned, taking moral responsibility for the incident. Stability returned last year when a panel led by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad assumed charge, prioritising the restoration of cricket at the historic venue.
With government approval now in place, attention turns to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2026 plans. It remains to be seen whether the franchise will stage all its home matches at Chinnaswamy, especially after vice-president Rajesh Menon recently met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai to explore hosting two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.