Will Chinnaswamy Stadium Host RCB's Matches in IPL 2026? State Government Finally Breaks Silence

The uncertainty around the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has made the fans confused since the tournament is approaching sooner. After the victory parade chaos, several deaths were reported and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) suggested the Karnataka State Cricket Association to increase the stadium capacity and fix the logistical challenges at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After weeks of speculation, the Karnataka state government has finally issued a statement regarding the hosting rights, offering relief to Royal Challengers Bengaluru supporters. However, the BCCI is yet to give any statement regarding the same. They also cancelled the Women's World Cup 2025, scheduled in Bengaluru earlier this year.

Will Chinnaswamy Host IPL 2026?

Karnataka Deputy CM, DK Shivakumar has revealed that the government will try their best to not allow the IPL to shift from Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. They are in talks with the BCCI and are looking for ways to improve the infrastructure of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and clear the other logistical challenges to make it smoother for the audience to come and watch the matches.

“This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here. I am a cricket fan. We will take care that the recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains. The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework. In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative," Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was quoted as saying by News18.

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium IPL plans have already started since the state loves cricket. RCB, which is also the richest IPL team right now, are the defending champions of the Indian Premier League and will want to play in their own home ground next year. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium ban might be removed for the upcoming season but the fans will have to wait for BCCI's official statement.

KSCA Confident of Meeting Requirements for IPL 2026

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is one of the smallest cricket stadiums in India. The Karnataka Deputy CM has confirmed that the work around the stadium, including minor renovation and maintenance work, has been fast-tracked and is expected to be completed well before the next IPL season begins. Moreover, the fans faced several issues regarding commuting to the stadium because of the metro constructions nearby.

As per reports, the government has clarified that diversions, additional public transport, and other plans will be implemented for the fans. Bengaluru has been hosting the IPL from the start of the tournament and the fans were quite disappointed with the way things turned out earlier this year. There were several unfortunate deaths reported after the stampede that happened in June 2025.

Now, the government will be extra careful before hosting such victory parades within short notice. In fact, the Women's World Cup 2025 victory parade was also stopped due to this reason. The RCB fans will hope for the matches to be held in Bengaluru so that they can get another chance to watch Virat Kohli and team play and entertain the crowd.