Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been given the green light by the Karnataka government to host both international and Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2026. The decision comes after a period of suspension following a tragic stampede in June 2025, during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL title celebration, which resulted in 11 fatalities and several injuries.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed that the Home Department has granted permission, subject to strict adherence to safety and security conditions. KSCA has submitted a detailed plan to the Expert Review Committee, assuring full compliance with crowd-management and security protocols. Vinay Mruthyunjaya, spokesperson for KSCA, expressed the association's pleasure with the government's approval, emphasizing their commitment to the prescribed safety and security measures.
Following the stampede, authorities halted cricketing activities at the stadium until corrective measures were implemented. The KSCA has since been working to upgrade the stadium to meet the new safety guidelines. These upgrades include widening entry and exit gates, improving internal movement corridors, and installing advanced emergency evacuation systems. The goal is to ensure smoother crowd movement and enhance safety for all attendees.
RCB is contributing significantly to these safety enhancements, investing ₹4.5 crore in AI-enabled surveillance technology. This technology includes 300-350 AI-enabled cameras that will provide real-time tracking of entries and exits, and facilitate quick decision-making through advanced analysis of video and audio data. The AI surveillance aims to improve crowd management and ensure a safer matchday experience for fans. The system integrates video, audio, and text analysis to accelerate investigations and improve decision-making during high-pressure situations. RCB has partnered with StockQ, a company specializing in public safety through automated and data-driven intelligence, for this initiative.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, named after M. Chinnaswamy Mudaliar, who served as the BCCI President from 1977 to 1980, has a rich history. The stadium was previously known as the Karnataka State Cricket Association Stadium. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 40,000. It has hosted 25 Test matches, 31 One Day Internationals (ODIs), including 12 World Cup matches, and 10 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), including 3 World Cup matches. The stadium is the home ground for the Karnataka cricket team and the IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The IPL 2026 is scheduled to commence on March 26 and conclude on May 31. The tournament will feature 10 teams competing in a total of 84 matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions, having won their first title in the previous season.
With the implementation of enhanced safety measures and the commitment from both KSCA and RCB, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to once again become a vibrant hub for cricket, welcoming fans and players for both international and IPL matches in 2026.
