The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has secured official approval from the Government of Karnataka to stage Indian Premier League matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, confirming the venue’s status for the forthcoming season. The ground is scheduled to host the opening fixture on March 28, featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KSCA secretary Santosh Menon stated that the Expert Committee, satisfied with the infrastructural upgrades at the stadium following an inspection and mock drill conducted on March 13, conveyed its findings to the state government. Based on this assessment, the authorities granted permission for IPL matches to be held at the venue.
In an official media release, the KSCA said, “We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the 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 Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru,” the statement added.
The clearance follows discussions between state authorities, the KSCA and Royal Challengers Bengaluru regarding the management of high-attendance sporting events at the venue, particularly with respect to security and crowd-control measures after the stampede that occurred during RCB’s trophy celebrations in June last year.
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KSCA further noted in its release, “The entire KSCA team, under the leadership of Venkatesh Prasad, has worked closely with the Home Minister, the Chief Minister, the 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.”
With the approval now granted, the stadium is set to stage its allotted matches during the upcoming IPL campaign. In addition to hosting the season opener, the Chinnaswamy Stadium will stage five of RCB’s home fixtures, while the remaining two home games will be played in Raipur. The venue is also scheduled to host one playoff match and the final.
