Months after a tragic stampede killed 11 people outside Bengaluru’s famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka government has allowed the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to return to their home ground for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
For cricket fans in Bengaluru and across the country, this decision brings relief and excitement. Many supporters had been waiting for RCB to play again at their home stadium. However, along with the happiness, there are still serious concerns about safety and accountability.
The approval was given after a Government Expert Committee studied the safety arrangements at the stadium and submitted its recommendations. The committee was formed to check whether proper crowd control measures and emergency systems are in place to prevent another tragedy.
Earlier, the stadium’s safety was reviewed by the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission. This commission was appointed by the Karnataka government after the stampede incident. In its report, the commission said that the design and structure of the stadium were “unsuitable” and “unsafe” for handling very large crowds.
The report also blamed the event organisers and some police officers for the incident. It named former Bengaluru City Police Commissioner B Dayananda among those held responsible. According to the findings, poor planning, lack of proper crowd management, and weak coordination led to the tragic loss of lives.
Following the commission’s report, the state government decided to file criminal cases against officials of RCB, event management company DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The government said action was necessary to fix responsibility and ensure such incidents do not happen again.
Now, with RCB set to return to the stadium, authorities have promised stronger safety measures. These include better crowd control, improved entry and exit systems, more security personnel, and clearer emergency response plans.
While cricket lovers are eager to see matches return to the iconic stadium, many believe that ensuring public safety must remain the top priority. The 2026 IPL season will not only test the team’s performance on the field but also the government’s commitment to making large sporting events safe for everyone.