RCB home games return: Chinnaswamy Stadium cleared for IPL matches

Fans will soon be able to watch their favourite team play at home, as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has received formal approval from the Karnataka government to resume Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The decision came after a review by the home minister and an expert committee, who assessed the stadium’s safety and infrastructure measures. The announcement followed a meeting with KSCA officials and a detailed inspection on March 13.

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Note: Chinnaswamy Stadium has received the required permissions to host the 5 RCB Home Matches. ✨#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/q2ND1joEgs

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 16, 2026

KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya confirmed the news:

“We are extremely happy to inform you that the government has permitted us to play IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium. All five matches proposed by RCB will be played here, and the playoffs and finals are also likely to be held at the stadium,” he said.

Mruthyunjaya added that the government issued a formal permission letter and emphasized that all safety guidelines and standard operating procedures must be strictly followed.

“As committed by the KSCA, all Phase 1 works have been completed to the satisfaction of the Expert Committee. They conducted a personal inspection across the stadium to verify the work done,” he explained. The committee also suggested additional safety measures to be implemented on match days.

KSCA Vice President Sujith Somasundar highlighted the importance of public awareness:

“The committee recommended a strong social media campaign to educate spectators on the new safety measures, including exit points, ambulance services, and other arrangements. We want fans to know how to attend a match of this magnitude safely,” he said.

With all safety measures completed, the stadium is now cleared to host matches at full capacity of 33,000 spectators.

The KSCA will soon hand over the stadium to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as per the existing stadium agreement and assist the franchise in maintaining safety standards.

Phase 1 work, carried out based on recommendations from the police department, included widening stadium gates, increasing exit points, creating holding areas, and improving entry and exit movement for spectators.

With formal clearance now in place, Bengaluru is set to host IPL matches once again at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium.