EXPERT COMMITTEE appointed by the Government of Karnataka granted approval for the staging of Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The decision was subsequently endorsed by Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
Earlier approvals had been conditional, with the state government imposing strict safety requirements for spectators following a stampede during the title celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru last June that claimed 11 lives.
Last week, IPL organisers released the schedule for the first phase of the 2026 season, running from 28 March to 12 April, noting that matches at the venue would remain subject to government clearance.
A comprehensive inspection of the stadium’s preparedness, including a mock drill, was conducted on Friday. Final approval was granted on Monday after the expert committee reviewed the findings.
As a result, the IPL opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on 28 March. The venue is also scheduled to host one playoff fixture and the tournament final.
