Royal Challengers Bengaluru, IPL2026: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been cleared to host matches in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season after an expert committee approved the venue’s preparedness following a review of upgraded infrastructure and safety measures. The clearance came after an inspection conducted by a committee appointed by the Karnataka Government. Officials reviewed arrangements at the stadium and were presented with demonstrations of the newly implemented crowd-management and safety protocols. In a statement, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA ) said the approval was granted after a meeting chaired by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
"We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the KSCA stated in a media release.
"Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru," added the release.
The stadium had been under scrutiny following a stampede during celebrations after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 title. Authorities subsequently carried out several upgrades to improve safety and infrastructure at the venue.
With the approval in place, the stadium is scheduled to host the opening match of the IPL 2026 season between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Chinnaswamy Stadium will stage five of Bengaluru’s seven home matches during the league phase one, while the remaining two games will be played at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.
