The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were officially approved by the Karnataka government on Monday to host the 2026 Indian Premier League matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This decision put an end to months of uncertainty following the stampede that followed the team’s first-ever IPL title victory.
The reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, marking the start of the 19th edition of the biggest T20 tournament in the world.
The official clearance follows a meeting with representatives from the KSCA, RCB, and its event management company DNA, as well as the Expert Committee, which was established by the state government and presided over by Karnataka home minister Parameshwar.
“During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium,” KSCA’s official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya informed in a statement.
“Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon’ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.”
“The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) places on record its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Home Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwar, for his leadership, guidance and support in facilitating this approval,” he added.
The RCB Unboxing event and the tournament’s opening ceremony will take place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in addition to the season’s opening match.
Five of RCB’s seven home games will take place in Bengaluru, while the other two will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Additionally, the KSCA conveyed their gratitude to the Expert Committee members.
“Our special thanks are also due 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 comprehensively evaluated,” the release said.
“KSCA further expresses its sincere appreciation to all the distinguished members of the Expert Committee and the officials associated with the Expert Committee and its sub-committees, whose careful assessment and constructive recommendations have been instrumental in enabling this important decision.”
