RCB offer AI-driven crowd monitoring as Chinnaswamy’s IPL future hangs in balance

Amid continuing uncertainty over whether the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host IPL 2026 matches, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have proposed a sweeping upgrade to the venue’s safety infrastructure, including the installation of AI-enabled surveillance cameras, as part of broader measures aimed at improving crowd management and security.

No competitive cricket has been staged at the Chinnaswamy Stadium since the tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations on June 4 last year, which claimed 11 lives. In the aftermath, the Karnataka government denied permission to host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the venue, citing non-compliance with prescribed safety norms. Any clearance for the resumption of matches remains contingent on the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) implementing the recommendations of the Michael D’Cunha Commission, which was constituted to examine the incident.

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In a formal communication to the KSCA, RCB have proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled surveillance cameras across the stadium. The system is designed to assist stadium authorities and law-enforcement agencies by enabling real-time monitoring of crowd movement, queueing patterns, entry and exit points, and unauthorised access. According to the franchise, the technology would significantly enhance situational awareness and allow quicker responses to potential risks.

Keeping in line, RCB also announced a strategic partnership with Staqu to deploy JARVIS, the company’s advanced audio-video intelligence platform, at the stadium. Described as a first-of-its-kind tri-party collaboration involving RCB, stadium authorities and Staqu, the initiative seeks to strengthen security and safety at one of the country’s most iconic cricket venues.

JARVIS offers real-time analytics to help detect unsafe situations such as overcrowding, stampede risks, unauthorised intrusion, fire hazards and other emergent threats, while also reinforcing access control and proactive incident response.

The franchise has committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of the proposed surveillance upgrade, estimated at approximately Rs 4.5 crore, underscoring its intent to support the KSCA and state authorities in meeting safety requirements.

Despite these measures, a final decision on whether the defending champions will be allowed to host their IPL 2026 home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is still awaited and is expected in the coming days.