Karnataka Cabinet clears decks to host matches at Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Finally, here is good news for RCB fans, as Karnataka State Cabinet cleared the decks for Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The Cabinet also cleared the decks for RCB to play their home matches in the State capital. However, the final decision to play the matches in Bengaluru lies with the RCB management.

Addressing mediapersons yesterday, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “The Cabinet had given its nod to host matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium with certain conditions in accordance with Justice Cunha Report which included allowing a maximum of 35,000 spectators to watch the matches among others.”

Earlier, Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwar held a meeting with KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, RCB Chief Operations Officer Rajesh Menon and other KSCA representatives before the Cabinet meeting and discussed various issues including the implementation of Justice Cunha report among others.

It may be recalled that a total of 11 people had died and more than 50 people were injured in the stampede that occurred outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations last year. Following this, the Karnataka State Government did not allow matches to be played in the stadium including ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 matches.

The Karnataka Government had also formed a committee headed by former High Court Justice John Michael Cunha to probe into the incident.

Following the investigation, the committee also submitted a report with certain recommendations to be implemented at the M. Chinnaswamy  Stadium.

This year’s IPL will begin in March and RCB will look to defend its title. According to sources, RCB, which wanted to play its home matches at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Mumbai did not get clearance from Mumbai Indians forcing the Bengaluru-based franchise to look for other venues.

With Karnataka Cabinet clearing the decks for KSCA to host matches, will RCB management decide to play at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, only time will tell.