The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium may still feature in the IPL 2026 calendar, even though Royal Challengers Bangalore is set to shift its home matches away from the venue. As the Karnataka State Cricket Association awaits government nod to resume hosting games, the iconic stadium is under consideration for IPL fixtures involving other franchises.
The future of Chinnaswamy Stadium as an IPL venue has drawn attention due to the tragic stampede during RCB's title celebration 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 security upgrades before the stadium could host large gatherings again. Since then, KSCA has been working to implement those recommendations and gain the approval of the state government.
Earlier this month, KSCA officials met members of the state government-appointed committee, which conducted an on-site inspection of the stadium to review the progress of the changes made. According to KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mrutyunjay, the committee will now decide whether the venue is suitable to host the matches, after which the modalities of organizing the games can be finalised.
“KSCA officials on Thursday met representatives of the committee appointed by the state government, who visited the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to review the work done by Publication date 5/01/2026. If not RCB, KSCA may explore the possibility of hosting other franchises to conduct the matches. “KSCA officials and committee officials met at the stadium today, and reviewed the work we have done to bring about structural changes. They will now decide whether we can host matches at Chinnaswamy or not. If we get permission, we will sit and decide the modalities,” KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mrutyunjay told DH.
RCB will play two home matches in Raipur
While RCB's home matches have traditionally been played in Bengaluru, KSCA is now exploring alternative options. If the franchises choose to play outside the city, the association is keen to host matches involving other IPL teams, ensuring that the Chinnaswamy Stadium will remain a part of the tournament despite the possible absence of RCB. Officials believe that once regulatory approval is granted, the stadium can still be considered as a neutral venue for selected league stage matches, subject to BCCI approval and scheduling requirements.
However, RCB has already made contingency plans. The franchises have reportedly finalized alternative venues for IPL 2026, with several venues outside Karnataka being discussed. Notably, RCB has already confirmed that its two home matches will be played in Raipur. While the remaining five home matches are expected to be hosted at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
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