M Chinnaswamy Stadium remains the preferred option for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to host IPL 2026 home matches, but the final decision is still awaited. While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is confident of meeting all safety and compliance requirements, RCB is seeking clarity on responsibilities and safety protocols before committing to their long-term home venue.
Following the tragic stampede incident during RCB's title celebrations in June 2025, which resulted in several deaths and injuries, stadiums were temporarily banned from hosting games. Although the Karnataka government has now issued conditional approval to host the IPL and international matches, RCB wants the unresolved gray areas to be addressed before confirming the venue for IPL 2026.
The IPL is scheduled to begin on March 26, with RCB playing the opening matches as defending champions. However, the BCCI is yet to announce the full schedule, awaiting clarity from the franchises on their home grounds. RCB have said that playing in front of their enthusiastic fans at Chinnaswamy is their first priority. However, the franchise is looking for clear guidelines on such a provision that puts the responsibility of any incident in and around the venue on the organisers. With multiple stakeholders involved such as KSCA, BCCI and the state government, the franchises want clarity on how accountability will be shared.
RCB accepts government's conditional approval and appreciates KSCA's ongoing infrastructure work
In a statement, RCB accepted the government's conditional approval and praised KSCA's ongoing infrastructure work, but said any responsible decision would be taken only after further deliberations. The franchise has also proposed to install 300-350 AI-enabled cameras for crowd management, involving a one-time investment of Rs 4.5 crore.
Meanwhile, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad said the association has worked intensively over the last 45 days and is committed to completing all mandatory security upgrades by the end of February. These include widening entry and exit gates, creating internal holding areas, improving ambulance and fire-engine access, enhancing fire safety infrastructure and constructing ramps for easier movement, especially for children, women and people with disabilities.
The association has also planned a fully digital ticketing system, with the National Cricket Academy entrance designated as the main concourse, and has confirmed Queens Road will be made a traffic-free zone on match days to prevent dangerous crowd formation.
Despite the optimism, Prasad put the onus on RCB to initiate talks with the government, saying communication so far has been largely one-way. Meanwhile, RCB has explored backup options, including hosting matches in Navi Mumbai and Raipur, with discussions already in place with the Chhattisgarh government.
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