Royal Challengers Bengaluru are likely to return home in IPL 2026. Reports say the Karnataka government has cleared the use of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for next season.
The venue had been declared unsafe after a stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations. The incident led to multiple deaths and injuries. Since then, no major competitive match has been played at the ground. Even fixtures of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2026 were shifted out.
According to a Cricbuzz report, the state cabinet has now granted permission for IPL matches at the stadium.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the decision. “In the interest of the sport and its fans, the Cabinet today has taken an important decision to permit the conduct of IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium, while keeping public safety paramount,” he posted on X.
He added, “The recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Report will be implemented, with strict adherence to norms on ticketing, crowd regulation, and stadium access. With responsibility and accountability, we move forward.”
For months, RCB were unsure about their home venue. The franchise had begun exploring alternatives. Reports suggested they approached Mumbai Indians to use the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as a temporary base.
Security remained the biggest concern. RCB proposed installing 300 to 350 AI-enabled surveillance cameras. The franchise offered to bear the full cost, estimated at around Rs 4.5 crore. The aim was better crowd control and safer access.
With government approval now in place, the final call rests with RCB on whether to resume matches at the Chinnaswamy.
The crisis began on 4th June, 2025. Around 2.5 lakh fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate RCB’s IPL triumph. A stampede broke out near the entry gates during a felicitation event. Eleven people died. More than 50 were injured.
After investigations, authorities termed the stadium “unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings.” Several events were relocated. Now, nearly a year later, a return appears possible.
