Will RCB's AI Camera Proposal Save IPL Matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium?
RCB's Bold Move to Enhance Stadium Safety
Bengaluru: In a bid to retain IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise has suggested the installation of 300 to 350 AI-powered cameras at the venue, committing to cover the estimated cost of ₹4.5 crore for this crowd management initiative.
This proposal was formally communicated to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
View this post on Instagram
According to RCB's announcement, the installation of these AI cameras aims to enhance crowd management at the stadium. The franchise emphasized that this technology will assist the KSCA and law enforcement in effectively managing crowd flow, ensuring orderly queuing, and monitoring unauthorized access through real-time tracking.
The need for such measures arose after a tragic incident last year when 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede during RCB's IPL trophy celebrations.
A task force established by the state government is expected to present its findings on safety improvements at the stadium this Saturday.
The investigation revealed that inadequate crowd management contributed to the deadly stampede on June 4, which attracted a massive crowd for RCB's celebrations.
It was determined that RCB bore responsibility for the chaos, as they encouraged fans to attend without securing the necessary permissions from local authorities.
In response to the tragedy, RCB pledged compensation to the victims' families and initiated a foundation to engage with fans.
For this latest initiative, RCB has collaborated with Staqu, a company recognized for its expertise in enhancing public safety through automation and data analytics. Staqu has previously worked with clients such as the Bihar Police and the Election Commission of India.
The company has shared success stories, including a project with the Uttar Pradesh Prison and Administrative Reform Services, where they centralized video feeds from over 3,000 CCTV cameras across more than 60 jails for security monitoring.
RCB noted that Staqu's advanced facial recognition technology and intelligent monitoring capabilities have supported various state police forces in their routine surveillance and investigations.
The integration of this cutting-edge technology is expected to elevate crowd management standards and ensure a safe and seamless matchday experience for fans.
The AI-driven camera system will utilize video, audio, and text data to enable security personnel to detect unauthorized access and take preventive actions proactively.
If the necessary permissions are not granted for IPL 2026 matches, RCB is considering relocating its home games to Raipur and Pune.
A venue must be handed over to authorities at least a month prior to the IPL's commencement, which is tentatively set for March 26.
Additionally, the T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from February 7, but the Chinnaswamy Stadium has not secured any matches due to the lack of required NOCs. The final of the global event is set for March 8.