IPL 2026: Uncertainty Surrounds Bengaluru's Hosting of Opening Match

Concerns Over IPL 2026 Opening Match in Bengaluru

The upcoming 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is scheduled to take place from March 26 to May 31. However, it remains uncertain whether the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, will be able to host any matches at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, following a tragic stampede that disrupted major cricket events there.

Traditionally, the tournament's opening match is held at the home venue of the previous season's champions, which in this case would be RCB. Yet, clarity on this matter will only emerge once the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) releases the complete schedule.

The stadium was the site of a devastating stampede that resulted in 11 fatalities during RCB's trophy celebrations, which attracted an overwhelming crowd that exceeded local authorities' capacity to manage effectively.

Although the Karnataka government has granted conditional approval for the venue to host matches, it must still comply with essential safety and security protocols in light of the recent tragedy. The franchise faced significant backlash for promoting public celebrations without the necessary permissions from relevant authorities.

Venkatesh Prasad, the newly elected president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), commented on the situation, stating, "Typically, the IPL's opening match is held at the home ground of the previous season's champions. However, the stampede during RCB's celebrations on June 4 has created some uncertainty. I've been in talks with the BCCI regarding the possibility of hosting the opening match in Bengaluru, and they are also considering the matter."

Following the stampede, Bengaluru was forced to forfeit hosting Women's World Cup matches earlier this year due to security and administrative challenges.

In other IPL news, the mini-auction for IPL 2026 is set to occur today in Abu Dhabi, with the Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won the tournament three times, entering with the largest budget.