Bengaluru, Jan 21: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions of the Indian Premier League, have expressed reluctance to confirm their
participation at their traditional home venue, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, for the IPL 2026 season, citing unresolved "grey areas" related to safety and liability despite conditional approval from authorities.
The franchise released an official statement acknowledging the Karnataka government's decision to allow matches at the iconic Bengaluru ground but underlined that key aspects must be clarified before a responsible decision can be taken for players and fans alike.
RCB welcomed the efforts of the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the state government in securing conditional clearance for cricket at the Chinnaswamy Stadium following stringent safety requirements imposed after the tragic stampede during the IPL 2025 victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives.
However, the franchise pointed to a lack of clarity on certain conditions accompanying the permission, determining that these "grey areas" needed further discussion and resolution with all stakeholders involved, including authorities and the BCCI, before finalising their home schedule.
"We welcome the Karnataka government's decision to allow matches to be held in the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium and also recognise and highly appreciate KSCA's efforts in the ongoing infrastructure work that has led to this conditional approval," RCB said in the release.
"From our preliminary conversations, there are still a few grey areas that need to be looked into, and we are considering these parameters and inputs from all stakeholders before arriving at a responsible decision for the team and our fans," the statement added.
The uncertainty comes as the franchise weighs its options amid ongoing dialogue with the state government and local cricketing authorities. The "grey areas" referenced by RCB reportedly relate to the responsibilities and liabilities placed on organisers and teams for incidents occurring not just within the stadium but also in surrounding areas - a provision that has raised concerns post-2025's unfortunate events.
Reports suggest that RCB has even considered alternative home venues such as DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai or in Raipur as potential backup options should matters remain unresolved.
RCB's hesitation comes against the backdrop of broader efforts to bring back top-tier cricket to Bengaluru. The Karnataka government has granted conditional approval for international and IPL hosting at the Chinnaswamy Stadium following extensive safety and infrastructure upgrades recommended after the 2025 tragedy. However, officials have clarified that final clearances hinge on completed safety benchmarks and further inspections.
With the IPL 2026 season scheduled to begin in late March, RCB faces a deadline to confirm its home ground arrangements. The franchise's statement reflects a cautious approach aimed at ensuring fan and player safety while balancing the emotional and cultural significance of returning to Bengaluru, a city where cricket and the Chinnaswamy Stadium hold deep resonance among supporters.
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