Bengaluru, March 17: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches will be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) received formal approval from the Karnataka government on Monday.
This decision ends months of uncertainty regarding the venue, following the tragic stampede that occurred during celebrations after RCB’s first IPL title victory earlier this year.
Government Clearance After Expert Review
The approval was granted after a meeting led by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar, which included an expert committee appointed by the state government. Representatives from KSCA, RCB, and event management company DNA were also present. The committee presented a comprehensive report detailing the safety measures and preparedness at the stadium for the upcoming IPL season.
According to KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the committee’s recommendations and the government’s assessment of the arrangements facilitated the official clearance.
“The Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. After reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon’ble Home Minister formally approved the conduct of IPL matches at the venue,” the statement noted.
Chinnaswamy to Host Tournament Opener
The 19th edition of the IPL will kick off on March 28, with defending champions RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at the Bengaluru venue. In addition to the first match, the stadium will also host the tournament’s opening ceremony and the popular RCB Unboxing event, which traditionally marks the beginning of the new season for the franchise.
RCB’s Home Match Schedule
RCB will play five of their seven home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the IPL 2026 season. The franchise plans to hold the remaining two home fixtures at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. This arrangement ensures that Bengaluru remains the primary home base for the team while providing flexibility for a couple of matches at an alternate venue.
KSCA Thanks Government and Committee
The Karnataka State Cricket Association expressed gratitude to the state government and the expert committee for their role in the approval process.
“Our special thanks also go to Shri Sreemant Kumar Singh, Member Secretary of the Expert Committee and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, for his proactive coordination and for ensuring that all safety, security, and operational aspects were thoroughly evaluated,” the release stated.
“KSCA further appreciates all distinguished members of the Expert Committee and the officials associated with it, whose careful assessments and constructive recommendations have been crucial in enabling this important decision.”
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