Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium Gets Government Nod to Host IPL, International Matches

Cricket is set to return to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the Karnataka government granted official clearance for the venue to host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches. The approval marks a major development for Bengaluru’s sporting landscape, which had remained uncertain following safety concerns raised last year.

The announcement was made by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which confirmed that the green signal has been issued by the state Home Department, subject to strict compliance with safety, security, and crowd-management norms laid down by the authorities.

Conditional Approval After Safety Review

According to the KSCA, permission to host high-profile cricket matches has been granted only after the association submitted a detailed compliance roadmap to an expert review committee appointed by the state government. The roadmap outlines a series of measures focused on crowd control, emergency preparedness, stadium access, and overall spectator safety.

The government had earlier made it clear that no matches would be allowed at the venue unless the stadium’s structural integrity and crowd-handling capacity were independently verified. As part of this process, the Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) had directed the KSCA to submit a comprehensive structural fitness report prepared by professionals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL).

These assessments were aimed at ensuring that the stadium’s stands and infrastructure could safely accommodate large crowds during marquee events such as IPL matches and international fixtures.

IPL 2026 Hosting Back on Track

The clearance brings much-needed relief ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, during which Bengaluru’s hosting rights had been under a cloud. With the government nod now in place, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to once again stage IPL matches, pending final certification by independent experts.

The stadium is the long-time home ground of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, one of the league’s most popular franchises. The return of matches to Chinnaswamy is expected to be a major boost for fans and the city’s sporting economy, given the venue’s reputation for packed crowds and high-scoring contests.

Why Chinnaswamy Lost Hosting Rights Earlier

The iconic stadium had not hosted any matches since a tragic stampede during a large public event in June last year, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people and left nearly 50 injured. The incident triggered widespread scrutiny of the venue’s ability to manage large gatherings safely.

An independent panel led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha later concluded that the stadium was not fit to host large-scale events without significant changes. The panel’s report warned of serious shortcomings in crowd management, emergency response systems, and traffic regulation around the venue, describing the risks as unacceptable if major events were to continue without corrective action.

Following the report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India withdrew Bengaluru’s hosting rights for several major tournaments. Matches scheduled for the Women’s ODI World Cup were shifted to DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, and the city was also excluded from the men’s T20 World Cup fixtures planned for early 2026.

Commitment to Safety and Crowd Management

In its statement, the KSCA reiterated its commitment to implementing all prescribed conditions “in letter and spirit.” The association has assured authorities that enhanced safety protocols, improved crowd flow mechanisms, and upgraded emergency preparedness systems will be put in place before competitive cricket returns to the venue.

The state government has also indicated that continued monitoring will be carried out to ensure compliance during future events, signalling a stricter regulatory approach compared to the past.

A Historic Venue Returns to the Spotlight

Widely regarded as one of India’s most fan-friendly cricket grounds, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted countless memorable moments since the inception of the IPL and remains a central hub for international cricket in the country. With government clearance now secured, the venue is poised for a comeback, restoring Bengaluru’s place on India’s cricketing map.

The decision not only revives elite cricket in the city but also underscores a broader shift towards stricter safety oversight at major sporting venues across India.