In an attempt to prevent IPL matches from being moved from Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have suggested installing 300–350 AI-enabled cameras there and offered to pay the estimated Rs 4.50 crore cost of this crowd control measure.
The idea was sent by RCB to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in an official communication.
“RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately Rs 4.5 crore,” the franchise said in a release.
“The advanced surveillance technology will empower the KSCA and law enforcement agencies to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety,” the franchise added.
After 11 fans were killed in a stampede outside the Chinnaswamy during the RCB’s IPL title celebrations last year, all cricket was suspended. A task team established by the state government is expected to deliver its findings on Saturday after observing the ongoing safety improvement projects at the stadium.
The catastrophic stampede that occurred on June 4 when thousands of people flocked to the venue to participate in RCB’s celebrations was attributed by the investigation to the absence of crowd control measures.
It blamed RCB for the mayhem, claiming that the team urged supporters to turn out in large numbers even though it lacked the required permissions from law enforcement and local authorities.
Following the incident, RCB established a foundation to engage with the supporters and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
The RCB management is considering moving its home games to Raipur and Pune if the venue does not obtain the necessary authorization from government bodies to host IPL 2026 matches.
This IPL season is tentatively set to begin on March 26. A venue must be handed over to the authorities at least one month before the IPL’s start date.
Prior to that, the nation is scheduled to host the T20 World Cup from February 7. However, due to their inability to secure the required NOCs, Chinnaswamy has also been unable to secure a single game for that event. The final of the marquee event is set for March 8.
