IPL 2026: Despite Karnataka government's approval, why are RCB unsure of hosting matches at Chinnawamy Stadium? EXPLAINED

On January 17, the Karnataka government lifted its ban on M Chinnaswamy Stadium, making the venue eligible to host international and IPL matches with immediate effect. It came as a welcome relief to Bengaluru, given that the stadium has been an iconic representation of the state's cricketing heritage and importantly, home to IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

However, latest reports suggest that RCB are still unsure of hosting their IPL 2026 home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The reason for this is a law passed by the Karnataka government in August 2025 as a reaction to the Chinnaswamy stampede in June 2025. According to the law, Karnataka Crowd Control Bill, is aimed at ensuring safety at public events and gatherings.

The bill marks event organizers and their logistical department responsible in case of any unfortunate incidents during such events. Punishment can range from three to seven years in jail apart from fines in the Rs 50000 to 1 lakh range. Remember, in the Chinnaswamy stampede, RCB along with Karnataka State Cricket Association were held accountable by investigation sources.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has given a deadline of January 27 for RCB to decide on their home venue. Their alternate home venues are Navi Mumbai (5 matches) and Raipur (2 matches). There is still scope for Chinnaswamy Stadium to host all the home games but at the moment, there is a lot more doubt than certainty about the matter.

Chinnaswamy Stadium gained unwanted limelight after RCB's title win celebrations at the venue in June 2025 resulted in a stampede that caused 11 deaths apart from large scale injuries to the public. It led to an indefinite ban on the venue from hosting any form of professional cricket, with several events including the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 and WPL 2026 being moved out of the state.