Cricket will return to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as the historic venue prepares to host a series of high-quality matches during the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026), much to the delight of fans across Karnataka.
The venue will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) home matches, with the franchise planning to play five league matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue, known for its high-energy atmosphere and high-scoring encounters, is expected to once again turn into a stronghold for RCB as they look to launch their title defense in front of their home fans.
Apart from the buzz, the venue will also host the curtain raiser of the upcoming season along with the opening ceremony. The inaugural event is expected to attract a full house as the city welcomes its stars for the first time since the unfortunate stampede incident in 2025 during RCB’s first IPL victory celebrations.
The play-offs and finals of the 2026 season are also scheduled to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, making Bengaluru the focal point of the tournament. With the business end of the competition taking place at the venue, the city is all set to witness high-stakes clashes as teams battle it out for the coveted IPL trophy.
How did Chinnaswamy Stadium get permission?
Formerly, the Karnataka cabinet has given approval to resume IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadiummonths after cricket activities were suspended following a tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives.
The decision came after the submission of a report by Justice Cunha, which outlined a number of immediate, medium and long-term recommendations aimed at ensuring the safety of spectators at the venue.
M Chinnaswamy Stadium was earlier expected to host the Ranji Trophy final between Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmirbut it was shifted to Hubballi due to security enhancement works at the venue. With a strict capacity limit of 35,000 and multi-departmental supervision now in place, cricket will return to the Chinnaswamy Stadium under heightened scrutiny and enhanced security protocols.
Meanwhile, apart from their five matches, RCB will play two league matches as part of the tournament schedule in Raipur, which will serve as their second home venue.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
March 3, 2026 4:31 PM IST
