Karnataka Government to Decide on IPL Matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium This Week
The Karnataka Government is set to hold a crucial meeting this week to determine whether the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru can host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches and other cricket events. This decision comes after the stadium has been barred from major games since a devastating stampede on June 4, 2024, which resulted in 11 fatalities during celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) men's team's maiden IPL title win.
Key Meeting Scheduled for Wednesday
Home Minister G Parameshwara announced that officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bengaluru city police, and the Law Department will convene on Wednesday to discuss the issue. The meeting aims to evaluate what actions can be taken at the government level and to issue directives to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the stadium. "We will discuss and take a final call. We will have to consult the chief minister also," Parameshwara stated, emphasizing the importance of this decision as the IPL season approaches and international matches are scheduled.
KSCA's Request and Safety Concerns
On Monday, a delegation from the KSCA, led by president Venkatesh Prasad, along with representatives from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, met with Home Minister Parameshwara to submit a formal request for permission to host matches. The KSCA has sought clearance from the state government to include the stadium in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s schedule. "Only if the state government issues clearance will the ground be included (to host matches)," Parameshwara highlighted, noting that safety measures are paramount to prevent a repeat of the tragic stampede.
The meeting will specifically review the progress made by the KSCA in implementing the recommendations of the Justice Michael D'Cunha Commission, which investigated the stampede. In December 2024, the Karnataka Cabinet granted conditional approval to the KSCA, but a subsequent committee rejected permission later that month. However, in January 2025, another expert committee recommended granting temporary, conditional permission to host cricket matches.
Impact on Cricket Events in Bengaluru
The restrictions on match hosting at Chinnaswamy Stadium have had significant repercussions for Bengaluru's cricket scene. The city missed out on hosting events such as the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the ICC Women's World Cup in 2024, the Women's Premier League (WPL), and several domestic tournaments. "The whole of Bengaluru wants to be part of such tournaments, but safety measures are also important," Parameshwara remarked, balancing public enthusiasm with security priorities.
Venkatesh Prasad expressed optimism about the outcome, stating that the KSCA is hopeful the government will grant permission. He assured that the association is committed to fulfilling all safety requirements. "We have assured that we will fulfil the requirements at our end. We will keep our word," Prasad said, emphasizing the need to inform the BCCI promptly to include the stadium in match schedules.
As the decision looms, cricket fans and stakeholders await the final verdict, which could mark a pivotal moment for the revival of major cricket events at one of India's iconic venues.
