RCB's Chinnaswamy set for a makeover days after losing IPL 2026 final hosting rights

Just days after Bengaluru lost the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final, the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium is now set for a massive redevelopment project. KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad admitted that the venue’s limited capacity may have played a role in the BCCI shifting the IPL final to Ahmedabad.

Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Prasad said the rebuilding process had already started long before the BCCI decided to shift the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru.

“One of the reasons why the final was moved from this venue is probably the capacity of the stadium. Of course, the process started earlier,” Prasad said.

Prasad also revealed that the response to KSCA’s global expression of interest for the redevelopment project has been overwhelming, with several internationally renowned architects showing interest in redeveloping the site.

“About 28 architects showed interest. We have now shortlisted around eight companies and will further narrow it down to three or four that will submit conceptual proposals,” he added.

WHY DID BENGALURU LOSE THE IPL 2026 FINAL?

The IPL had originally allotted the final on May 31 to Bengaluru earlier The BCCI rescheduled the summit clash to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Officially, the IPL cited “certain demands from the local association and authorities which were beyond the BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols”.

However, the controversy surrounding Bengaluru has been building for weeks.

Earlier in the season, Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar publicly demanded free IPL tickets for elected representatives, arguing that MLAs are “VIPs” and should not stand in queues like ordinary fans.

The issue quickly escalated politically and even required the intervention of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar before a compromise involving free passes for legislators was reached.

Sources also indicated that concerns regarding logistics, ticket management and stadium capacity played a role in the BCCI’s final decision to move the playoffs and finals from Bengaluru.

The move means the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will now host the IPL final for the fourth time in the last five seasons.

KSCA PLANS MAJOR UPGRADE OF CHINNASWAMY

Prasad said the redevelopment project will go beyond simply increasing capacity and will have a strong focus on improving the overall fan experience.

He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the current KSCA administration during IPL 2026, including:

Improved crowd management

Reserved areas for spectators

Better input and output systems

Enhanced security measures

Prasad also pointed to KSCA’s integration of public transport with match tickets during the IPL season, calling it a model that could be replicated in other Indian cities.

The former India pacer further announced a major lighting upgrade project involving the installation of sports LED headlights on:

M Chinnaswamy Stadium
SDNRW Stadium
Rajnagar Stadium

According to Prasad, the upgraded lighting systems would greatly improve both the playing conditions and the fan experience at Karnataka cricket grounds.

Earlier this month The KSCA officially expressed its disappointment after Bengaluru lost not only the IPL final but also all hosting rights in the play-offs, despite being originally earmarked as the venue for the summit clash.

In a statement, the KSCA clarified that it has formally communicated its readiness and willingness to host the play-off matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The association also said that the communication sent by the BCCI was purely operational and aimed at explaining the framework under which the IPL matches were conducted in Bengaluru this season.

While the exact reasons for the change of venue were never formally communicated to the KSCA, the association said it respected the BCCI’s decision and remained committed to hosting major cricket events in the future.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

22 May 2026 23:03 IST

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