The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is still undergoing renovation works as suggested by the Justice Cinha Commitee in the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede in June 2025. 11 people lost their lives and several others were injured in a victory procession that followed the day after RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025. As a result, not only was the iconic venue in Bengaluru stripped off all games but only got clearance to host matches in IPL 2026 after making multiple amends to the stadium, which included various safety measures that weren’t in place previously and were recommended by the panel and the state government.
Now, cricket is all set to return to Chinnaswamy for the first time since the Bengaluru stampede in June 2025. The KSCA obtained clearance after an extensive review by an expert committee. But is the stadium ready to host huge crowds once again? Can the iconic venue bury the tragedy that has plagued them over the past year and give fans a fresh memory and more relishable experiences?
Is Chinnaswamy stadium ready for IPL 2026?
As per ESPNCricinfo, renovation works are ongoing at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with just three days left before the start of IPL 2026. The report states that a hive of construction activity is going on at the venue, which includes the widening of the old NCA which will allow people to come in and the surface areas being barricaded.
The idea to widen the area for allowing smooth movement of people comes after the Bengaluru stampede last year which saw 11 lives being lost. It has been done so, so that people don’t walk on the main road and instead, walk through this area to make their way into the stands.
The old NCA venue at the Chinnaswamy stadium has been covered in sheets, where the players used to practice previosuly. As reported previously, the entry gates at the stadium have been widened and new gates have been installed in the aforementioned venue while ramps have also been set up for fan entry. As per ESPNCricinfo, the old NCA area now resembles a holding area for fans, which was one of the suggestions provided by the Justice Cinha Committee. It is pertinent to point out that this area was out of bounds for the media and the players previously. However, the conversion to a fan concourse has taken place based on the reccomendations of the committee and the court rulings.
As a part of the KSCA’s steps to improve conditions at the M Chinnaswamy stadium, the entry gates have been widened, mandatory QR tickets scanning systems have been put in place and AI powered surveillence camera have been put in place to monitor the crowd.
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