Chinnaswamy Stadium gets nod for hosting IPL 2026 from government-appointed committee

Decks were cleared on Monday for the conduct of IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the Karnataka government-appointed Expert Committee gave the go-ahead and Home Minister G. Parameshwara green-lighted the same.

Earlier, approvals were conditional in nature after the government had set strict targets to be met with regard to spectator safety in the aftermath of the stampede that claimed 11 lives during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title-winning celebrations last June.

Last Wednesday, the IPL authorities announced the fixtures for the first phase (March 28 to April 12), taking into account the fact that the conduct of matches in the Garden City was subject to approval from the government.

A thorough inspection, including a mock drill, was carried out on Friday to assess the stadium’s preparedness and the final clearance was granted on Monday based on the recommendations of the Committee.

This means the IPL opener between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad will be held at the M. Chinnaswamy on March 28, as well as one playoff match and the grand final.

Published on Mar 16, 2026