Bengaluru, March 4. Commenting on the decision to host IPL cricket matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated on Wednesday that all safety recommendations will be implemented at the Chinnaswamy Stadium before hosting matches, and additional police will be deployed to ensure that no untoward incident takes place.
The state has recently granted conditional approval to host IPL 2026 matches. The stadium is slated to host five home games for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday, HM Parameshwara highlighted how Karnataka is overseeing the arrangements. He stated, "We had given directions based on the recommendations of the Justice Michael D'Cunha Committee to RCB. A committee has also been formed under the leadership of Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Chairman Maheshwara Rao. He has contacted RCB and KSCA and held discussions."
"Rao has told them that matches will only be allowed after fulfilling the conditions. I think that before the matches commence, they will fulfill all of them. The police department is reviewing it every day. Our job is to ensure that they create all the necessary infrastructure, and the police will make additional security arrangements this time. We have discussed this already," he stated.
Parameshwara stated that a sufficient number of police personnel will be deployed around the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the cricket match.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Tuesday said it is a great occasion that cricket is returning to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after sustained efforts, with five matches, including the playoffs and final, scheduled to be held in Bengaluru.
KSCA Official Spokesperson Vinay Mrityunjay said the association has worked extensively to ensure the smooth conduct of the upcoming fixtures.
"After so much effort, cricket is returning to KSCA. There will be five matches, including the playoffs and final, here," he said.
He added that a formal agreement will be in place among the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as per the prescribed guidelines. "We will hand over the stadium to RCB in accordance with the set norms," he stated.
Emphasising on safety, Mrityunjay said the security of spectators remains the top priority. He appealed to fans to cooperate with the authorities and make use of public transport while commuting to the stadium to ensure smooth crowd management and enhanced safety.
It may be recalled that the state government had imposed a ban on holding cricket matches at the stadium after a tragic stampede on June 4, 2025 in which 11 people were killed.
