The Karnataka Cabinet has given a conditional approval for the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to continue hosting international and IPL matches at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, provided
all prescribed safety and security norms are fully met.
The clearance comes with a strict mandate for KSCA to implement the recommendations of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, which investigated the June 4 stampede outside the stadium that claimed 11 lives. The incident occurred during celebrations after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s maiden IPL title win, with a victory parade drawing thousands of fans to an ill-prepared infrastructure.
The commission found the stadium’s design and structural layout to be ‘unsuitable and unsafe’ for large public gatherings. It suggested several corrective measures, including the creation of adequate entry and exit gates, dedicated queuing and circulation zones away from public roads, internationally compliant emergency evacuation plans, and sufficient parking infrastructure.
Consequently, the iconic stadium lost several international matches, including in the 2025 Women’s World cup and the 2026 men’s T20 World Cup, and also in the upcoming Women’s Premier League.
After a meeting with newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and other office-bearers, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Wednesday that the state government does not intend to halt cricket matches at the iconic venue.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said the decision to continue hosting IPL matches at the ground was made to ‘protect the city’s image’.
“To avoid any future incidents, we have put in place precautionary measures. We have granted permission accordingly,” Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, said. “The Home Minister will hold discussions with Karnataka State Cricket Association president Venkatesh Prasad and police officials.”
The IPL works on a home-and-away format where each team hosts seven of its group stage matches. Moreover, the league tradition has also meant that generally, the team winning the tournament gets to host the final of the following season.
Recently, the Chinnaswamy has resumed hosting low-level matches behind closed doors. It remains to be seen if the IPL does its own checks or accepts the Karnataka government’s decision.
The 2025 season will start in March-April.
