IPL 2026 could see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing their home matches away from their traditional ground at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government has demanded a comprehensive structural safety clearance for the stadium before it can be deemed fit to host large crowds. This critical evaluation by NABL-accredited experts is a prerequisite for any IPL 2026 approval, driven by a renewed focus on public safety following a devastating stampede at an event linked to RCB’s victory celebrations, which resulted in significant loss of life. An independent inquiry found the stadium to be “fundamentally unsafe” for major events due to serious lapses in emergency preparedness and crowd management systems. Consequently, Bengaluru has already lost hosting rights for several high-profile cricket tournaments. The uncertainty surrounding Chinnaswamy Stadium’s safety means RCB is contemplating relocating its home base to the MCA Stadium in Pune, a move that would disappoint a passionate fanbase. While a new international cricket facility is being developed in Anekal, it is scheduled for completion after the 2026 IPL season. The onus is now on the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to present a robust safety report that satisfies government regulations and secures Bengaluru’s place in the IPL spectacle.
