Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad on Wednesday urged the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to play their IPL 2026 home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, citing the unwavering
support from fans since the team’s inception.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium has received conditional permission from the Karnataka government to host IPL and international matches after the current KSCA administration held multiple discussions with various state agencies over the past month. The venue has been closed for cricket since 11 fans died in a stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations on June 4.
“We have received the conditional permission from government, and we are confident of getting an unconditional permission sooner rather than later, and after doing all this, I sincerely hope that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play all their seven home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium,” Prasad was quoted as saying at a select media gathering.
Prasad’s appeal comes at a crucial time, with rumours circulating about RCB considering a shift of their home matches to Mumbai, Pune, or Raipur.
“So, now the ball is in RCB’s court. I also hope that RCB also gets involved and engages with the government for smooth conduct of the matches. So far, it has been only one sided. We are doing this for cricket. Whether it is IPL or international matches. We are doing this for cricket,” he added.
‘Because Of Bengaluru Crowd’
Prasad reminded the RCB management of the unwavering loyalty of Bengaluru fans and emphasised that the franchise owes it to their massive fan base to play at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
“So, from here onwards, the RCB has to take things forward. It is the responsibility of the RCB to take this dialogue forward. It is their responsibility to come back here and play and not to take the game away from Bengaluru.
“They have grown to this level only because of having played in Bengaluru and because of the Bengaluru crowd. So, I have asked them to come and play here,” he said.
Try And Work Together
KSCA secretary Santosh Menon assured RCB that all corrective measures suggested by government officials have been implemented.
“RCB are keen on playing here. So, let’s not take that away from them. But they have certain apprehensions which they have to clarify, which we will sit together and resolve. Probably they have issues with the government and not with us.
“I am sure the government and they will also be able to resolve it once the ice is broken. We told them that we will facilitate their meetings with the government if required. We will try and work together. It has been our commitment to them and our commitment remains,” said Menon.
Menon urged RCB to communicate their concerns to the association.
“Yes, they have certain apprehensions, and they told us that they will send us a detailed letter mentioning them. But from our side, we have given them confidence. They have to decide whether they want to play or not.
“They have taken time to decide. They have said that they will tell us within the next 10 days about their decision. We are ready to play if they say yes. We have opened the doors for the RCB,” he said.
Where Will RCB Play?
There are speculations about other franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Delhi Capitals wanting to play a few matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, Prasad refrained from discussing this matter in detail.
The former India pacer mentioned that the BCCI has assured the association of hosting a few international matches in the near future.
“We have already missed out on the Women’s ODI World Cup and the men’s T20 World Cup. So, the BCCI had told us that we will get some international matches to compensate for that, and that was their word during Tuesday’s IPL Governing Council meeting,” he added.
(With inputs from Agencies)
