M Chinnaswamy Stadium Set for IPL 2026: Final Inspections Scheduled
Inspection Ahead of IPL 2026 Matches
The Government of Karnataka has appointed an expert committee to evaluate the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, as part of the final approval process for hosting matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been undertaking significant renovations at the stadium. These improvements include the addition of several new entry gates, the expansion of existing ones, and enhancements to the surrounding infrastructure.
Renovations also encompass new walkways, a designated holding area adjacent to the former National Cricket Academy, and specific routes for emergency services.
This extensive refurbishment follows the recommendations made by the Justice D’Cunha Committee, which was formed after a tragic incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) IPL 2025 celebrations that resulted in 11 fatalities.
The committee performed a thorough safety and structural audit, and the KSCA was tasked with completing all immediate safety measures by March 15.
Renovations commenced in mid-December following the KSCA elections, where former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad was elected as president. KSCA officials have been in close collaboration with state authorities to ensure compliance with all necessary procedures. Previous issues that led to the state electricity regulatory body cutting power to the stadium last July have also been addressed.
RCB's return to their home ground follows extensive discussions with the state government and various stakeholders. To enhance crowd management, KSCA and RCB are working alongside the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation. Additionally, the introduction of QR code scanning for digital tickets aims to alleviate congestion at box offices on match days.
The IPL 2026 season at Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to commence on March 28, with RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad. RCB's subsequent home game will be against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. Overall, RCB will host five matches at this venue, while two additional home games will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur.