RCB’s Home Returns? Govt Approval Surprises Fans

The Karnataka government has approved the hosting of IPL 2026 matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The decision came after an expert committee reviewed the safety arrangements at the venue. Officials confirmed that the stadium is prepared to host matches again.

A review meeting was held at Vidhana Soudha and was chaired by Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The committee examined crowd management and security systems at the stadium. After evaluating the arrangements, it submitted its report to the government.

With this approval, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host five of their league matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue will also stage the opening match of IPL 2026 on March 28. In that game, defending champions RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Cricket matches at the stadium had earlier been suspended following a stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations. The tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 11 people. Because of this, the stadium did not host the Ranji Trophy final earlier this year.

Following the incident, authorities introduced several safety improvements at the venue. Stadium capacity has now been restricted to around 35,000 spectators. The measure is intended to improve crowd control and movement inside the stadium.

Officials have also planned additional entry arrangements for spectators. Stadium gates will open three to four hours before matches. This step aims to reduce last minute crowd congestion outside the venue.

Separate queues will be arranged for women and children to improve safety and convenience. These arrangements are expected to streamline entry during major matches. Authorities hope the changes will create a smoother experience for fans.

To reduce traffic congestion, ticket holders will be allowed to travel on the Bengaluru Metro free of cost on match days. This initiative is expected to ease traffic pressure around the stadium area.

Apart from Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also play two of their home matches in Raipur. Those matches will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium.

Bengaluru is also expected to host one IPL playoff match and the final this season. With government approval now granted, IPL cricket will officially return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the 2026 season.