In a meeting with the state government-established Expert Committee on Friday, representatives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association provided a thorough overview of the security improvements being made at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in preparation for the IPL.
After months of uncertainty due to the stampede on June 4, 2025, the state government has finally approved the staging of IPL matches at the venue.
On March 28, the first IPL 2026 match will be played in Bengaluru between the reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the former champions Sunrisers Hyderabad.
“We wish to inform you that the Expert Committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka held a meeting today with officials of the KSCA and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Karnataka State Cricket Association,” PTI quoted Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the official KSCA spokesperson, as saying.
In addition to the season’s first game, the venue will host the opening ceremony and the RCB Unbox event.
“During the meeting, KSCA made a detailed presentation on the infrastructural upgradations / arrangements and safety measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in line with the recommendations of the Expert Committee that are to be implemented under Phase-I of the compliance framework,” he added.
This season, the RCB will play two games in Raipur and five at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“Representatives of RCB and their associated operational agencies also presented their preparedness and operational plans for the smooth and orderly conduct of the upcoming IPL matches.
“The discussions were constructive and positive, and all stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that the matches can be conducted in a safe, well-regulated, and seamless manner,” added Mruthyunjaya.
