Cricket is set to return to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, as the historic venue prepares to host a series of high-profile matches during the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), much to the delight of fans across Karnataka. The playoffs and the final of the 2026 season are also slated to be played at the venue, making Bengaluru the centrepiece of the tournament.
The venue will host the home fixtures of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), with the franchise scheduled to play five league matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Known for its electric atmosphere and high-scoring encounters, the venue is expected to once again turn into a fortress for RCB as they look to begin their title defence in front of their supporters.
Adding to the buzz, the venue will also host the curtain-raiser fixture of the upcoming season, along with the opening ceremony. The opening event is expected to draw a packed house, as the city welcomes its stars for the first time after the unfortunate stampede incident in 2025 during RCB’s maiden IPL victory celebrations. With the business end of the competition also set to unfold at the venue, the city is poised to witness high-stakes clashes as teams battle for the coveted IPL trophy.
How did Chinnaswamy stadium get clearance?
Earlier, the Karnataka cabinet granted approval for the resumption of IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, months after cricketing activities were suspended following the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives.
The decision came after the submission of the Justice Cunha report, which outlined a series of immediate, medium-term and long-term recommendations aimed at ensuring spectator safety at the venue.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium was earlier expected to host the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir, but it was moved to Hubballi due to the safety enhancement works at the venue. With a strict 35,000-capacity cap and multi-departmental oversight now in place, cricket is set to return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium under heightened scrutiny and reinforced safety protocols.
The franchise has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the Karnataka Police for their steadfast guidance, seamless coordination, and continued support in enabling the successful hosting of matches in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, in addition to their five matches, RCB will play two league fixtures at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur as part of the tournament schedule, which will serve as their second home venue.
