Chinnaswamy Stadium to host IPL matches in 2026, but not for RCB

Published - 16 Jan 2026, 16:02 IST | Updated - 16 Jan 2026, 16:26 IST

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium could still feature in the IPL 2026 calendar, even as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to move their home matches away from the venue. With the Karnataka State Cricket Association awaiting government clearance to resume hosting games, the iconic stadium remains under consideration for IPL fixtures involving other franchises.

Chinnaswamy Stadium’s future as an IPL venue has grabbed attention due to the tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations in June 2025, which resulted in 11 deaths. The incident led to a detailed investigation by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission, which recommended several structural and safety upgrades before the stadium could host large gatherings again. Since then, KSCA has been working to implement those recommendations and regain the state government’s approval.

Earlier this month, KSCA officials met members of a state government-appointed committee that conducted an on-site inspection of the stadium to review the progress of the changes undertaken. According to KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthunjaya, the committee will now decide whether the venue is fit to host matches, after which the modalities of conducting games can be finalised.

"The KSCA officials on Thursday met representatives from the State Government-appointed committee, which visited the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to conduct a review of the work undertaken by the Publication Date 5/01/2026. If not RCB, KSCA may explore the possibility of hosting other franchises to conduct the matches. "The KSCA officials and the committee officials met today at the stadium, and held a re- view of the work we have taken up to bring in structural changes. They will now decide whether we can host matches at Chinnaswamy or not. If we get the go-ahead, then we will sit and decide the modalities," KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthunjaya told DH.

RCB to install AI cameras at Chinnaswamy for crowd control

While RCB’s home matches have traditionally been played in Bengaluru, KSCA is now exploring alternative options. If the franchise opts to play outside the city, the association is keen to host matches involving other IPL teams, ensuring that Chinnaswamy Stadium remains part of the tournament despite RCB’s potential absence. Officials believe that once regulatory clearance is secured, the stadium could still be seen as a neutral venue for selected league-stage matches, subject to BCCI approval and scheduling requirements.

RCB set to play two IPL games in Raipur, confirms state CM

However, RCB has already put contingency plans in place. The franchise has reportedly finalised alternative venues for IPL 2026, with discussions held at multiple locations outside Karnataka. Notably, RCB has already confirmed two of their home matches being played in Raipur. While the remaining five home fixtures are expected to be hosted at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium.