In a huge relief for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the Karnataka cabinet has officially approved the return of matches at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. This includes granting the green light for hosting IPL 2026 games, something that had been in doubt ever since the tragic stampede earlier this year.
The decision was taken during Thursday’s cabinet meeting, where the matter was discussed in detail. Chinnaswamy hasn’t hosted a single cricket match since June, when a massive crowd gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title win, leading to a stampede that killed 11 people and injured several others.
The cabinet has allowed the stadium to reopen but with a strict condition, every safety and security guideline recommended by the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission must be followed without exception. The commission had earlier declared the stadium unsafe for large gatherings, citing inherent design and structural issues.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed earlier that KSCA had requested clearance to resume hosting matches. “They’ve asked for permission, and we assured them the cabinet would take it up. We have no intention of stopping cricket in Bengaluru, but crowd management absolutely needs better regulation,” he said.
