The final hurdle has been cleared and Chinnaswamy Stadium is all set to witness the return of cricket from March 28 for the first time since the Bengaluru stampede. RCB were scheduled to take on SRH in the IPL 2026 opener at the iconic venue and are also set to host one of the playoffs game and the final. However, that depended on the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) obtaining a clearance from an expert committee who were to deliver their final judgement on March 16 after inspecting the venue.
RCB get go-ahead to host matches in Bengaluru
RCB has confirmed that the franchise will host 5 home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
“We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA.
During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon’ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) places on record its sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Home Minister, Dr. G. Parameshwar, for his leadership, guidance and support in facilitating this approval.
KSCA also conveys its special appreciation to Shri G. M. Maheshwar Rao, Chairman of the Expert Committee, for his leadership and oversight in reviewing the preparedness and infrastructure arrangements.
Our special thanks are also due to Shri Sreemant Kumar Singh, Member Secretary of the Expert Committee and Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru, for his proactive coordination and for ensuring that all safety, security and operational aspects were comprehensively evaluated.
KSCA further expresses its sincere appreciation to all the distinguished members of the Expert Committee and the officials associated with the Expert Committee and its sub-committees, whose careful assessment and constructive recommendations have been instrumental in enabling this important decision.
We also place on record our special gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Karnataka, Shri Siddaramaiah, and the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Shri D. K. Shivakumar, for their encouragement, support and for taking the matter earlier to the State Cabinet and facilitating the in-principle approval for the conduct of matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The entire KSCA team, under the leadership of legendary cricketer Shri Venkatesh Prasad, has worked closely with the Hon’ble Home Minister, the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Expert Committee, Expert Sub-committee, other Ministers, senior State Government officials and all statutory authorities to ensure full compliance with the recommendations of the Expert Committee. This coordinated effort has played a significant role in bringing cricket back to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as committed to KSCA members and cricket fans.
KSCA looks forward to extending full cooperation and support to RCB in hosting the upcoming IPL matches in a safe, well-coordinated and professionally managed manner, ensuring a memorable experience for cricket lovers and the sporting community,” KSCA said in a statement.
Earlier on March 14, full-scale mock demonstrations of match-day arrangements were made by the KSCA as part of the initiative to make M Chinnaswamy Stadium safe for mass gatherings. KSCA had confirmed that discussions went well.
RCB full schedule for IPL 2026
| Date | Day | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28/03/26 | Saturday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 05/04/26 | Sunday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| 10/04/26 | Friday | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati |
| 12/04/26 | Sunday | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Wankhede Stadium, Mum |
Cricket
RCB's IPL 2026 matches confirmed to be held in Bengaluru, Chinnaswamy stadium gets clearance
