The government lifted the ban on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the IPL 2026 season. After discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the cabinet approved their plea to reopen the stadium for high-octane matches.
The Government of Karnataka put a ban on the iconic stadium after the tragic incident outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden trophy-winning celebration. On June 4, 2025, it was reported that 11 people died during the celebration and left more than 50 people injured in the rush.
Karnataka government shows the green signal
Because of the tragic incident, the franchise as well as the government had to take some major steps to avoid such situations in the future. As the government banned the stadium from arranging matches, the franchise was in jeopardy about their home ground for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
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Amid the crisis moment, the cricket governing board of the state took the matter on their shoulders to solve the matter as soon as possible. M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of the crowns Karnataka has. Without the service of the venue, cricket fans of the state could have missed multiple opportunities to show their support and emotions for the game and for the RCB as well. Because of the incident, the Women’s World Cup final was shifted from Bengaluru to Navi Mumbai.
Only limited number of spectators will be allowed
The cabinet approved the request of the state cricket board to open the stadium under some guidelines. One of the conditions is to allow only a limited number of audience members into the stadium so the management can maintain the safety protocols without making any mistakes. The other conditions are yet to be disclosed.
“The cabinet agreed with certain conditions as per the Cunha report. He had mentioned certain conditions in the report, a maximum of 35,000 people, and some other conditions. Accordingly, we have taken the decision,” Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy informed the media.
Newly elected KSCA chief Venkatesh Prasad was amongst the most active persons to continue the discussion with the government. In the recent past, Prasad clearly mentioned that his vision is to bring the IPL and international matches back to Bengaluru. To cherish the dream, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will be the ideal venue to host any high-profile match.
“After a cabinet meeting, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara will give a clarification this evening on the holding of the IPL inaugural ceremony in Bengaluru,” Venkatesh had said earlier.
RCB to make a final call
Because of the uncertainty over the stadium, it was reported widely that RCB was in search of other venues to host their IPL 2026 home matches. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur were rumored to be in RCB’s shortlist. Though the Mumbai Indians, whose home ground is the Wankhede Stadium, have reportedly denied RCB from selecting any of these two grounds, as the locations are not too far away from the Wankhede Stadium.
After the latest announcement by the government, RCB will have to take a final call on their home venue for the IPL 2026 season, where they will play as the defending champions.
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