KSCA approaches Karnataka government to restart cricket at Chinnaswamy stadium

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has formally asked the Karnataka government for permission to host domestic and franchise cricket at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Matches from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Indian Premier League (IPL) are currently being reviewed as part of this request.

This development comes months after a tragic stampede outside the stadium claimed 11 lives. The incident raised serious questions about crowd safety, stadium design, and emergency handling. Following the incident, major international matches were stopped at the venue and its future as a host ground came under doubt.

A probe by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission later pointed out major issues in crowd movement, entry and exit planning, and emergency preparedness at the stadium. With a new KSCA leadership now in place, headed by president Venkatesh Prasad, the association has started efforts to bring cricket back to Chinnaswamy under strict safety rules.

Safety Review to Decide Chinnaswamy’s Future

KSCA has submitted a formal proposal to the state government, and Prasad personally met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The state cabinet, however, has said that the final decision will be taken by the Home Department, keeping public safety as the top priority.

To check whether the stadium is fit to host matches, the Home Department has formed a high-level committee. The panel is led by the Greater Bengaluru Authority Commissioner and includes the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. Officials from the PWD, Fire and Emergency Services, Health Department, and BESCOM are also part of the team. They will inspect entry points, emergency exits, medical facilities, power supply, and crowd control systems.

The government has clearly stated that all 17 safety conditions suggested by city police, based on the D’Cunha Commission report, must be fully followed. These include wider entry and exit gates, separate ticketing and queue areas, real-time crowd monitoring, better fire safety, and improved evacuation routes. KSCA has agreed to the tight timelines and said that Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, if approved, may be held without spectators. Deputy chief minister Shivakumar has confirmed that IPL games will remain in Bengaluru, calling it matter of pride, while assuring that  fan safety will not be compromised.