Will RCB host IPL 2026 games in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium? Karnataka deputy CM reveals future

The Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, revealed that Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium would host the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, even though the venue has been declared unsafe. This came on the back of the stampede case on June 04 that killed 11 people and injured more than 50 people. 

The incident happened when a huge crowd gathered before the stadium to celebrate the first ever title of the tournament for the Bengaluru franchise. Because of the safety issues, the International Cricket Council (ICC) moved out the Women’s World Cup 2025 matches from Bengaluru.

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“In the future, whatever mishaps happened in Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru, we will make sure such incidents do not recur. Going forward, we will conduct events in this KSCA stadium in a way that upholds the pride of Bengaluru. But we will do it properly, within the legal framework, and with better attention to crowd management while using this stadium.” Shivakumar admitted lapses in a statement.

Karnataka deputy CM informs future on if RCB games move out of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any statement regarding the debate over hosting the IPL games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. It will be interesting to see if Virat Kohli’s franchise can play in front of the home fans while defending the title in this edition.

“Will not allow IPL matches to be shifted out of Chinnaswamy stadium. This is a question of Bengaluru and Karnataka’s pride. We will ensure IPL matches are held here. I am a cricket fan. We will ensure that such incidents don’t recur in the future and uphold the reputation of the stadium.” Shivakumar added.

“We will also build a new cricket stadium as an alternative. My response to reporters after casting my vote in the KSCA elections today. From now on, no IPL will be shifted. We will conduct it right here. This is the pride of Karnataka and Bengaluru, and we will protect it.” The Karnataka Deputy CM concluded.