The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have proposed installing AI-enabled surveillance cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
RCB’s bid to return home for IPL 2026
In the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede, which left 11 dead and around 50 injured, the venue was deemed unfit for mass gatherings. The Karnataka government has instructed the KSCA to resolve structural and safety issues to get clearance for hosting any cricket matches in the future.
In this regard, RCB has pledged INR 4.50 crore for the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue for crowd control and safety.
“In a formal communication to the KSCA, RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This advanced surveillance technology will empower the KSCA and law enforcement agencies to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore,” RCB stated in a release.
RCB’s contingency plan
RCB is also preparing a contingency plan. Although KSCA is hopeful that M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host matches in IPL 2026, the 1-time champions are close to striking deals with the Mumbai Cricket Association and Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh to host their seven home games.
For IPL 2026, RCB are reported to play five matches at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai and two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.
