Karnataka Cabinet Clears Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL Matches

The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the resumption of men’s Indian Premier League matches , scheduled from March 26 to May 31, 2026 , at the Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, ending a suspension that followed last year’s tragic celebrations.

Cricket at the venue was halted after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title celebrations in June 2025 ended in a stampede, leaving 11 people dead and over 30 injured . In the aftermath, the state had set up a committee headed by Justice John Michael Cunha to investigate the incident and recommend safety measures. Subsequently, another panel, led by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao , reviewed whether these recommendations had been implemented.

Speaking to reporters, Karnataka Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said the Cabinet decided to allow IPL matches, but stressed that the Home Department will issue special orders outlining conditions that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and RCB must follow. Among the key measures, he highlighted that stadium gates will be widened to ensure crowd safety.

The Cabinet also discussed the ongoing Special Intensive Revision , examining how it is being conducted in certain areas. Patil said the Law and Parliamentary Affairs department has been asked to study the process and submit a detailed report, which he confirmed will be ready by the end of the month.