The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host matches of the Indian Premier League in the 2026 season after receiving formal approval from the Karnataka Cabinet. The decision comes eight months after the venue was barred from hosting major events following a tragic stampede in June 2025 that claimed 11 lives during celebrations linked to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The state government had suspended large gatherings at the stadium while an inquiry examined what went wrong. A probe led by the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident and recommended stronger crowd control systems, better coordination between agencies, and structural upgrades.
After reviewing these findings, the cabinet granted conditional clearance for IPL matches beginning in March 2026. Authorities have stressed that the approval is subject to strict compliance with new safety norms. These include improved entry and exit management, clearer evacuation plans, upgraded surveillance systems, and higher deployment of police and emergency services during matches.
State Home Minister G. Parameshwara said the government’s priority is ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. He clarified that while cricket can return, public celebrations and large non-match gatherings at the stadium will be assessed separately.
In the months following the incident, several fixtures that were originally scheduled in Bengaluru were shifted to other cities. The reopening of the stadium is being seen as a major relief for fans and local businesses that depend on match-day crowds. However, officials have made it clear that safety will remain central to every event plan.
