Conditional Green Light for IPL 2026 at Chinnaswamy Amid Legal Delays
In a significant development for cricket enthusiasts in Bengaluru, the Karnataka government has granted conditional permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host IPL matches at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium during the first half of 2026. This decision comes despite the Karnataka High Court not yet granting clearance for filing a chargesheet in the tragic June 4, 2025, stampede case that claimed 11 lives.
Safety Concerns and Government Approval
The approval, issued on January 17, 2026, allows KSCA to organize cricket tournaments, including international matches and IPL fixtures, from March to July 2026. However, this permission is temporary and subject to strict safety compliance. It follows recommendations from a Government Expert Committee constituted to assess safety arrangements at the stadium, which had previously flagged concerns in an earlier review.
KSCA had applied for these clearances in December 2025 after safety issues delayed permissions for hosting games. The government has clarified that as stadium safety upgrades are ongoing, spectator numbers for matches cannot be determined yet. Crowd strength approvals will be strictly based on committee recommendations.
Pending Legal Clearances for Stampede Case
While sporting events receive conditional go-ahead, the legal process for the June 4 stampede remains in limbo. The Karnataka High Court, hearing cases challenging FIRs filed against RCB, KSCA, and event management firm DNA Entertainment Network, has yet to accord clearance for filing chargesheets. On July 8, 2025, the HC directed CID police investigating the stampede not to file a chargesheet without court leave.
Special Public Prosecutor B T Venkatesh confirmed that the chargesheet has been prepared, but clearance is awaited since a memo was moved in December 2025. Changes in HC benches following the winter break are reported to have caused delays.
RCB's Response and Memorial Plans
Following the government's conditional clearance, RCB issued a statement welcoming the decision while emphasizing the need to thoroughly understand conditions and safety measures. The franchise expressed desire to play at their home ground but noted "grey areas that need to be looked into" before making final decisions.
RCB has announced a memorial for the 11 fans who died in the stampede and enhanced compensation of ₹25 lakh for victims' families. Meanwhile, Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla has expressed interest in buying RCB, following parent company Diageo's November 2025 announcement of intent to divest its stake.
Safety Measures and Past Incidents
The conditional clearance requires KSCA to complete all recommended safety works within stipulated timeframes and implement additional international standard safety measures. This cautious approach follows the stampede that occurred during RCB's victory celebration after their first IPL trophy win.
Safety concerns previously led authorities to deny permission for a Vijay Hazare Trophy match in December 2025, moving it to the BCCI Centre of Excellence. A judicial commission headed by Justice (retd) John Michael D'Cunha has recommended legal action against officials of RCB, DNA Networks, KSCA, and Bengaluru police.
Government's Balancing Act
The Karnataka government stated that its January 17 order reflects intent to balance continuation of high-profile cricketing events at the historic venue with focus on public safety, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory oversight. KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad has urged RCB management to engage with government for smooth conduct of matches, hoping all seven IPL home matches will be held in Bengaluru.
As Bengaluru prepares for potential IPL action in 2026, the shadow of the June 4 tragedy and pending legal clearances continues to loom over the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, making safety compliance the paramount concern for all stakeholders involved.
