The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium could still feature in the IPL 2026 season. This is possible even though Royal Challengers Bengaluru are planning to shift their home matches away from the venue.
The future of the iconic Bengaluru stadium has been under focus since June 2025. A tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations led to the death of 11 people. After the incident, the Karnataka government ordered a detailed probe.
KSCA awaits government clearance after safety review
The Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission investigated the matter. It later suggested several safety and structural upgrades. These changes were made mandatory before allowing large crowds again. Since then, the Karnataka State Cricket Association has been working to meet all recommendations.
Earlier this month, KSCA officials met a state government-appointed committee. The committee carried out an on-site inspection of the stadium. The visit was meant to review the progress of the safety upgrades.
KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthunjaya confirmed the meeting.
“The KSCA officials on Thursday met representatives from the State Government-appointed committee, which visited the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to conduct a review of the work undertaken by the Publication Date 5/01/2026. If not RCB, KSCA may explore the possibility of hosting other franchises to conduct the matches. “The KSCA officials and the committee officials met today at the stadium, and held a re- view of the work we have taken up to bring in structural changes. They will now decide whether we can host matches at Chinnaswamy or not. If we get the go-ahead, then we will sit and decide the modalities,” KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthunjaya told DH.
If approval is granted, KSCA may host matches for other IPL teams. Officials believe the stadium could act as a neutral venue. This would depend on BCCI approval and scheduling.
Meanwhile, RCB have already made backup plans. The franchise has confirmed two home matches in Raipur. The remaining five home games are expected to be played at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Despite RCB’s move, Chinnaswamy Stadium could still remain part of IPL 2026.
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