Cricket will continue at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium, but only under strict conditions. In a key decision, the Karnataka Cabinet has allowed the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host international and IPL matches, provided all safety and security norms are fully followed.
Chinnaswamy Stadium Under Safety Scanner
The approval comes in the shadow of the 4 June tragedy, when a stampede outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations claimed 11 lives. The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, which investigated the incident, flagged major safety flaws in the stadium’s design and crowd-management systems.
The panel deemed the venue unsuitable for large gatherings and recommended significant upgrades. These include improved entry and exit gates, separate queuing areas away from public roads, global-standard evacuation plans, and adequate parking facilities. Following these findings, the stadium lost key fixtures, including matches from the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, and the Women’s Premier League.
After meeting newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar said the government wants cricket to continue at the venue. He added that strict precautions have been mandated to prevent future mishaps.
