Karnataka Cabinet Clears IPL Return at M Chinnaswamy Stadium With Strict Safety Conditions

The Karnataka Cabinet has approved the conduct of Indian Premier League matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, following the recommendations of a government-appointed expert committee and the inquiry led by retired High Court judge Justice John Michael D'Cunha.

Announcing the decision, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the Cabinet had acted in the interest of the sport and its fans while keeping public safety paramount.

Shivakumar, a lifetime member of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), reiterated that public safety would remain the top priority.

Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the state Cabinet had cleared the KSCA to host the IPL at the iconic venue, subject to the recommendations of the Cunha report.

These include a maximum crowd capacity of 35,000 and other safety guidelines.

What Conditions Will the Home Department Impose for IPL at Chinnaswamy Stadium?

The Cabinet decided that conditions would be imposed and formal orders would be issued by the Home Department.

Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the order would specify the conditions and preparations required, and would factor in the findings of both the D’Cunha Commission and the expert committee led by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao.

“The cabinet has decided to allow IPL matches to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. But conditions will be imposed and the order will be issued by the Home Department. The order will specify the conditions and preparations required. The home minister will provide more details in a day or two,” Patil told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.

He added that the existing gates need widening and said the government had taken a serious view of the Cunha Commission report.

How Did the Karnataka Home Minister’s High-Level Meeting Clear the Way for IPL at Chinnaswamy Stadium?

The decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Girinath, State DGP M A Salim and Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh.

KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and other office-bearers, along with representatives of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, were also present.

Prasad described the Cabinet’s nod as extremely positive and expressed gratitude to the Home Minister for constituting the safety committee.

Cricket at the stadium has been suspended since June 4, 2025, when a stampede during RCB’s maiden IPL title celebration resulted in 11 deaths and left more than 30 people injured.

Senior police officers, including then Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dayananda, were placed under suspicion, which was lifted months later.

What Did the Justice D’Cunha Report Say About Safety at Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL Matches?

Following the tragedy, the government set up an inquiry commission under Justice D’Cunha. In his report, he concluded that the design and structure of the stadium were unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings and strongly recommended relocating events expecting large crowds to venues better suited for such gatherings.

Subsequently, a panel led by Maheshwar Rao was constituted to examine whether the recommendations had been fulfilled.

Sources said Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the reigning IPL champions, are keen to play their first match of the 2026 season at the stadium.

The franchise, which holds the right to host the next IPL final as defending champions, has proposed installing AI-enabled surveillance systems to ensure efficient crowd management.

IPL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru aiming to defend their title.

(With inputs from ANI)