BENGALURU’S ICONIC M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has received clearance from the Karnataka government to host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed the development through an official press note, stating that the state government has granted permission for the return of top-level cricket to the venue.
KSCA clarified that the approval has been granted subject to strict compliance with specific terms and conditions laid down by the government and relevant authorities. The association added that it has submitted a detailed roadmap to the Expert Review Committee and is committed to implementing comprehensive safety, security and crowd-management measures.
“We are pleased to inform you that the Home Department, Government of Karnataka, has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host international and IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The permission is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the Government and the concerned Authorities. KSCA is confident of fulfilling all the stipulated conditions. The Association has already presented a detailed compliance roadmap before the Expert Review Committee and remains fully committed to implementing all safety, security, and crowd-management measures in letter and spirit,” the statement said.
The clearance brings relief after uncertainty surrounded the hosting of IPL 2026 matches at the venue, following the state government’s directive for a comprehensive structural safety assessment before granting approval.
The Karnataka Public Works Department (PWD) had earlier instructed KSCA to submit a detailed structural fitness report for the stadium. The assessment was required to be conducted by professionals accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), ensuring adherence to stringent technical and safety standards.
As part of the evaluation, the stadium was required to demonstrate that its stands and overall infrastructure are capable of safely accommodating large crowds. The government had made it clear that IPL matches at Chinnaswamy in 2026 would be permitted only after independent experts formally certified the venue’s structural safety.
