The iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is facing a critical safety assessment that could prevent it from hosting Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2026. The Karnataka government has mandated that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) obtain a detailed structural safety clearance from independent, NABL-certified engineers. This move comes in the wake of a tragic stampede during an RCB celebration that led to fatalities, prompting a thorough review of public safety measures at the venue. A subsequent independent report labeled the stadium “fundamentally unsafe” for large-scale events, citing critical deficiencies in infrastructure and operational preparedness. These findings have already led to Bengaluru being excluded from hosting international cricket events, including Women’s World Cup matches and the upcoming T20 World Cup. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), this means their beloved home ground at Chinnaswamy is in jeopardy. The franchise is exploring alternative venues, with Pune’s MCA Stadium being a potential temporary home if Bengaluru’s stadium fails to meet the required safety standards. A new stadium project in Anekal is underway but will not be operational in time for IPL 2026. The KSCA is now under intense pressure to pass the safety audit and ensure Bengaluru’s continued presence as a vibrant IPL destination.
