IPL 2026: No RCB matches at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium? Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar puts all speculation to rest

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Reports of a controversial shake-up for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season emerged following a tragic stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium earlier this year. With the stadium temporarily deemed unsafe for mass gatherings, the hosting rights for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) home games were thrown into serious doubt. Rumours gained traction suggesting that the franchise would be forced to relocate its fixtures to an alternative venue. The MCA Stadium in Pune quickly became the frontrunner, with officials from the Maharashtra Cricket Association confirming preliminary discussions were underway to offer their ground as a potential temporary home for RCB.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has emphatically shut down all speculation regarding the shifting of IPL matches from Bengaluru, assuring that all fixtures for the 2026 season will remain at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Speaking after casting his vote in the KSCA elections, Shivakumar stated that losing the IPL was unacceptable, viewing the tournament as a symbol of the state’s pride.

He directly addressed the inquiries about relocating matches, including the IPL, following the stadium tragedy, providing a firm, unequivocal statement: “This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here.” Shivakumar stressed his personal commitment to the sport, stating, “I am a cricket fan.”

He added that the government would ensure all available cricket matches, including those from the Women’s cricket games, would be hosted: “We will allow whatever matches are available in the coming days.” His assurance stands as a significant political commitment to maintain Bengaluru’s status as a central hub for Indian cricket, dismissing the reports that cited safety and structural concerns.

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The Deputy CM’s assurance came with an explicit commitment to addressing the safety concerns that led to the stadium’s temporary suspension following the stampede during the RCB title celebrations, which tragically claimed 11 lives. The incident, caused by overwhelming crowds, raised serious questions about crowd management and the venue’s infrastructure.

Shivakumar detailed the government’s dual strategy to restore the stadium’s reputation and expand the city’s cricketing capacity: “We will take care that the recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains.” He emphasized that moving forward, the facility would be operated with stringent legal and safety measures: “The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework.”

Furthermore, he revealed a long-term plan to develop new infrastructure, which would act as a contingency and a way to support the growing demand for large-scale matches: “In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative.” This comprehensive plan is designed to safeguard the future of major cricketing events in Bengaluru.

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