IPL 2026: Chinnaswamy Stadium remains front-runner for RCB home games, KSCA optimistic despite final call awaited

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains the preferred choice for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to host their IPL 2026 home matches, but a final decision is still awaited. While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is confident of meeting all safety and compliance requirements, RCB are seeking clarity on responsibilities and safety protocols before committing to their long-time home venue.

Following the tragic stampede incident in June 2025 during RCB’s title celebrations, which led to multiple deaths and injuries, the stadiums had been temporarily banned from hosting games. Although the Karnataka government has now issued conditional approval for hosting IPL and international matches, RCB wants the unresolved grey areas addressed before confirming the venue for IPL 2026.

The IPL is scheduled to begin on March 26, with RCB slated to play the opening match as defending champions. However, the BCCI is yet to announce the full schedule, awaiting clarity from the franchise on its home ground. RCB have stated that playing at Chinnaswamy, in front of their passionate fanbase, remains their first preference. However, the franchise is looking for clear guidelines on a provision that places responsibility for any incident in and around the venue on the organisers. With multiple stakeholders involved, KSCA, BCCI, and the state government, the franchise wants clarity on how accountability will be shared.

RCB accepted government’s conditional nod and praised KSCA’s ongoing infrastructure work

In a statement, RCB accepted the government’s conditional nod and praised KSCA’s ongoing infrastructure work, but maintained that a responsible decision would be taken only after further deliberations. The franchise has also proposed installing 300-350 AI-enabled cameras for crowd management, committing a one-time investment of INR 4.5 crore.

Meanwhile, KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad stated that the association has worked intensively over the past 45 days and is committed to completing all mandated safety upgrades by the end of February. These include widening entry and exit gates, creating internal holding areas, improving ambulance and fire-engine access, enhancing fire safety infrastructure, and building ramps for easier movement, especially for children, women, and people with disabilities.

The association has also planned a fully digital ticketing system, designated the National Cricket Academy entrance as the main concourse, and confirmed to make Queen’s Road a traffic-free zone on matchdays to prevent dangerous crowd build-ups.

Despite the optimism, Prasad has placed the onus on RCB to initiate a conversation with the government, stating that communication so far has been largely one-sided. Meanwhile, RCB has explored backup options, including hosting matches in Navi Mumbai and Raipur, with discussions already held with the Chhattisgarh government.