M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host India games and IPL 2026? State government breaks silence

The Karnataka government has given the green signal to the process made by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) in accordance with the compliance roadmap to make the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium safer and spectator-friendly. The state cabinet has given a nod to the KSCA on the resumption of international cricket as well as the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2026 .

The KSCA president, Venkatesh Prasad, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) officials had a meeting with the cabinet, including the CEO, Rajesh Menon. Prasad expressed that a majority of the infrastructure-related work had already been undertaken in January, after he took charge, as the KSCS was confident of having the venue ready by the end of February.

“The BCCI is keen for us to host the IPL opening at Chinnaswamy. I have to thank the state government and the home ministry for their support along the way towards helping us bring cricket back. We're confident of completing the infrastructure work on time." Prasad expressed after the meeting.

RCB confident of hosting IPL 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

The reports have claimed that RCB’s concerns were over the safety issues that the places could again come under the untoward incidents around the venue. They have been noted by the state government, and a detailed order will be issued by the home ministry, as well as the preparations of the KSCA must be completed.

The development has come right after it was confirmed that the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai has denied the RCB to be one of their home venues for the IPL 2026. The management and officials also met the Chhattisgarh chief minister over the possibility of hosting two home games in Raipur.

The IPL 2026 is scheduled to begin on March 26, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn’t yet announced the schedule of the fixtures due to the lack of clarity on the ground. The impasse could now end soon, with the ball now in the court of the franchise, which is expected to make the official announcement.