M Chinnaswamy Stadium Declared Unsafe for Large Events Following Tragic Stampede
Safety Concerns at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been classified as "unsuitable and unsafe" for hosting large-scale events, as per the findings of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission.
This commission was established by the Karnataka government to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred on July 4 during the celebrations for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) first Indian Premier League (IPL) title victory, resulting in 11 fatalities and over 50 injuries.
According to a report from ESPNCricinfo, the commission highlighted that the stadium's "design and structure" are fundamentally inadequate for accommodating large crowds. It cautioned that organizing events with high attendance at this venue could lead to "unacceptable risks" concerning public safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness.
The report, which has been submitted to the Karnataka government and reviewed by ESPNCricinfo, criticized RCB, its event partners DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for their involvement in the stampede that occurred just a day after RCB's historic IPL win, which ended an 18-year wait.
It pointed out "systematic limitations" and strongly advised relocating large events to venues that are more appropriate. The report emphasized that any future venue must comply with international safety standards.
This development raises uncertainty about upcoming matches at the stadium, which is scheduled to host the opening match and semifinal of the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup from September 30 to November 2. Additionally, the KSCA announced that its state T20 League, the Maharaja Trophy, will be conducted without spectators starting August 11.
The commission's report also noted that the Chinnaswamy Stadium, built in 1974, lacks essential features such as designated queuing and circulation areas separate from public roads, adequate entry and exit gates for managing large crowds, integrated access to public transport and tourist attractions, comprehensive emergency evacuation plans aligned with global safety standards, and sufficient parking and drop-off facilities for large numbers of attendees.
Furthermore, the panel recommended disciplinary action against several officials, including KSCA chief Raghuram Bhat, former secretary A Shankar, and former treasurer ES Jairam, who resigned citing "moral responsibility" after the incident. RCB vice-president Rajesh Menon, DNA Entertainment Networks MD T Venkat Vardhan, and VP Sunil Mathur were also implicated.
The report also held police officers B Dayananda, Vikash Kumar, Shekhar HT, C Balakrishna, and AK Girish accountable, all of whom were dismissed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the incident.
The Karnataka government, which celebrated the IPL title win with a felicitation event at Vidhana Soudha, is expected to address the commission's recommendations in the upcoming cabinet meeting, as reported by ESPNCricinfo.