RCB not homeless anymore, M Chinnaswamy Stadium gets clearance to host IPL 2026 matches

After deliberating with the BBMP commissioner, the police commissioner, and the law representatives, the Karnataka government has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After the Bengaluru stampede, which took place on June 3 outside the venue during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) celebrations after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, leaving 11 people dead and over 50 injured, the stadium was deemed unfit for mass gatherings.

RCB back home for IPL 2026

Ever since, the KSCA and RCB have been working with the Karnataka government to meet the required security guidelines. Just last month, RCB pledged INR 4.50 crore for the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue for crowd control and safety.

After deliberating, the Karnataka government has allowed KSCA to host international and IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, there is a stipulation: no more than 35,000 people can be allowed into the premises. Which is about 5,000 less than the venue’s capacity.

“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 told ANI.

Amid uncertainty, RCB was looking for other options to host their home matches in IPL 2026. The franchise had approached the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) and Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS), looking to play at either DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai or the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) didn’t grant RCB a No Objection Certificate (NOC), since the stadium is in their jurisdiction. And before they could finalise with CSCS, they’ve been allowed to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

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