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An expert committee will inspect M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13 for IPL 2026 approval. KSCA renovated it following recommendations post-2025 RCB stampede.
RCB fans at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium (PTI Photo)
An expert committee appointed by the Government of Karnataka is scheduled to inspect the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13 before giving final approval for it to host matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
As per a report in ESPNcricinfo, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been undertaking extensive renovations at the stadium. These upgrades include the installation of multiple new entry gates, the widening of existing gates, and enhancements to peripheral infrastructure. Additional improvements include new walkways, a holding area near the former National Cricket Academy, and dedicated entry and exit routes for emergency services.
These changes follow recommendations from the Justice D’Cunha Committee, which was established after a tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 celebrations that resulted in 11 fatalities. The committee conducted a thorough safety and structural audit, and KSCA was given until March 15 to complete all short-term safety measures.
Renovations began in mid-December following the KSCA elections, during which former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad was elected as president. KSCA officials have closely coordinated with state authorities to ensure all procedural requirements are met. Issues that previously caused the state electricity regulatory body to cut power to the stadium last July have also been resolved.
Where Will RCB Play IPL 2026?
RCB’s return to their home venue follows weeks of discussions with the state government and other stakeholders. To improve crowd management, KSCA and RCB are working with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation. Additionally, QR code scanning for digital tickets will be introduced, reducing overcrowding at box offices on match days.
The IPL 2026 season at Chinnaswamy Stadium will commence on March 28, with RCB facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB’s other early home game is against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. In total, RCB will play five home matches at the venue, while two additional home games will be hosted at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur.
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 12, 2026, 20:52 IST
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