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.
Govt mandates with strict compliance
According to PTI, 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.
Chinnaswamy’s troubled months
After the commission’s report, the stadium was practically blacklisted from major events. The Women’s Cricket World Cup matches were moved out, domestic fixtures were relocated to Mysuru, and Bengaluru wasn’t even included in the initial venue list for the T20 World Cup 2026.
This left fans frustrated and raised concerns about the future of top-tier cricket in the city known for its buzzing cricket culture.
A path back for Bengaluru cricket
Now, with the state government giving the venue a conditional green signal, KSCA will push hard to convince the BCCI to schedule at least a few games before the IPL rolls in. If the board agrees, Bengaluru could see top-flight action much sooner than expected.
For RCB fans, who’ve been waiting eagerly to return to their fortress at Chinnaswamy, this decision marks the first big step toward normalcy.
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