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M. Chinnaswamy Stadium

Key Update for IPL 2026

The stadium has been officially declared “unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings” by a government-appointed commission, following a tragic stampede outside the venue in June 2025.

As a result, the home franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are very unlikely to host any of their IPL 2026 home matches at the Chinnaswamy.

Discussions are already underway for the team to relocate its home base temporarily — a strong contender being the MCA Stadium, Gahunje near Pune.

What Led to This Situation?

On June 4, 2025, during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, a crowd crush occurred outside the stadium resulting in 11 fatalities and dozens of injuries.

The inquiry panel cited structural and crowd-management failings at the stadium: insufficient entry/exit gates, inadequate evacuation planning, and inability to safely handle large gatherings.

Implications for IPL 2026 and Beyond

Loss of Home Ground Advantage: RCB fans will not get to watch their home matches at their iconic Bengaluru venue, which has been their base since 2008.

Logistics & Fan Experience: A shift in venue means new travel, accommodation and fan-mobilisation challenges — both for the team and supporters.

Stadium Redevelopment Required: The Chinnaswamy will likely require major upgrades to meet safety norms and regain hosting rights for high-profile events.

What to Watch

Official confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) about the final home ground for RCB in IPL 2026.

Whether the Chinnaswamy is cleared or upgraded in time to host future matches and tournaments.

How fans and sponsors respond to the venue change — the economic and emotional impact could be significant.