The Karnataka government gave the green signal for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host IPL 2026 matches. Royal Challengers Bangalore will kick things off against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Vinay Mruthyunjaya, spokesperson for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), said officials checked the expert committee’s recommendations and preparations before approving the venue.
Earlier this week, Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara met with the expert committee, KSCA, RCB, and DNA. The committee shared its report on security measures and overall stadium readiness. Last year, RCB celebrated their first IPL trophy with a victory parade at M. Chinnaswamy, but the excitement quickly turned tragic. The huge crowd outside led to a stampede, which killed 11 people and injured more than 50.
The stadium’s safety has come under scrutiny before. The Justice D’Cunha Committee, during the Women’s World Cup, ruled the ground unsafe for large gatherings. Because of that, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches got moved from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai. Even the domestic Maharaja T20 Trophy was shifted from Bengaluru to Mysore.
Just four days ago, BCCI announced the schedule for the first 20 IPL matches. Two will take place at M. Chinnaswamy. BCCI made it clear that games in Bengaluru depended on government approval. RCB, based in Bengaluru, are the reigning champions, so sticking with tradition, the opening match, Qualifier 2, and final will be organised at their home ground. RCB clinched their first IPL title last season, beating Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the final.
