Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will not be moved from Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. He assured that all IPL 2026 matches would take place at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Shivakumar made these remarks on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium after casting his vote in the KSCA elections.
In response to questions about relocating important matches, including the IPL, following the tragedy during the RCB celebration, he said, “This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here.”
When asked about the Women’s T20 World Cup matches, he commented, “We will allow whatever matches are available in the coming days.”
Discussing his participation in the KSCA elections, Shivakumar said, “I am a member of the KSCA. When I was young, Nagaraj gave me a membership. His son is my classmate. I know many people from Brijesh Patel, including Anil Kumble and Prasanna. I voted for the ones I wanted.”
He added, “I am a cricket fan. We will take care that the recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains. The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework. In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative.”
IPL 2026 Timeline
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive year the event takes place overseas. Unlike the mega auctions, the 2026 edition will be a mini auction completed in a single day.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have parted ways with England all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the IPL auction. South Africa’s versatile speedster Lungi Ngidi, who primarily featured as a reserve, has also been released. New Zealand power hitter Tim Seifert and Zimbabwe speedster Blessing Muzarabani are the other two overseas players who have left the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Yash Dayal, who led RCB’s attack with his left-arm pace deliveries, has been retained for the 19th edition of the cash-rich league. Dayal hasn’t played any form of cricket since winning the title on June 3. Since the final, the 27-year-old has been involved in legal troubles after being accused of exploitation on the pretext of marriage by a woman from Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad towards the end of June.
Other notable releases include opening batter Mayank Agarwal, signed as a replacement for the injured India batter Devdutt Padikkal, and promising talent Swastik Chikara, who leaves Bengaluru without playing a game.
(With inputs from Agencies)
