Whether Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be able to play their home Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium depends on the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
KSCA to build a safe case for M Chinnaswamy Stadium
In the latest development, the Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a formal notice to the cricket body to submit a detailed structural safety report for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
In the aftermath of the Bengaluru Stampede, which left 11 dead and around 50 injured, an independent commission led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha had deemed the stadium unfit to host big events.
The safety report has to be certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) to ensure it meets the required standards. Only then will the M Chinnaswamy Stadium be able to host matches again.
Since the fatal accident that occurred during RCB’s celebrations for winning their maiden IPL trophy, the stadium hasn’t hosted any matches. As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) didn’t announce Bengaluru as the venue for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL), and the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
RCB looking for a new home base
RCB is already looking for a contingency plan if they aren’t allowed to host matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. If the Karnataka government doesn’t find the KSCA’s safety report apt for clearance, RCB could shift their home base to the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune.
New cricket stadium in Karnataka
Last month, the Karnataka Cabinet approved the construction of an international-level cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal. Which signals what’s about to come. The stadium won’t be ready before December 2026, which could mean RCB might be able to return home by IPL 2027.
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