Bengaluru: Despite a judicial commission’s recommendation to halt all major events at M Chinnaswamy Stadium until adequate crowd control systems are implemented, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President Venkatesh Prasad have strongly assured that Bengaluru will not lose its share of IPL or international cricket.

Leaders determined to retain IPL in Bengaluru

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote at the KSCA elections on Sunday, Shivakumar reaffirmed that hosting the Indian Premier League in Bengaluru is a matter of pride for the city. He stressed that Karnataka would not allow IPL fixtures to be shifted elsewhere, regardless of ongoing concerns.

He said the State government and KSCA would work together to resolve all issues flagged by the judicial commission. “IPL matches are the pride of Bengaluru. We will ensure the city does not miss out,” he stated, emphasising that Bengaluru’s identity as a major cricketing hub must remain intact.

Stampede aftermath and suspension of major matches

The judicial commission’s recommendation followed the tragic stampede on 4 June 2025 outside the stadium during victory celebrations after Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the IPL 2025 title. The incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives and raised serious questions about crowd management and public safety.

In the aftermath, the commission directed that all large-scale sporting events be suspended at Chinnaswamy Stadium until proper crowd control and safety mechanisms were implemented. These included stricter entry and exit plans, revised ticketing systems and enhanced on-ground monitoring.

As a result, hosting major cricket matches in the venue, including the upcoming IPL 2026 season, had been placed under uncertainty.

Venkatesh Prasad outlines priorities as new KSCA chief

Former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad, who was elected as the new KSCA President, acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed confidence in addressing them swiftly. According to him, the foremost priority is to ensure that IPL 2026 remains in Bengaluru and that the city resumes hosting international matches without further delay.

Prasad said the KSCA would coordinate closely with the State machinery, security agencies and the commission to implement every recommended safety reform. He added that Bengaluru’s cricketing legacy, international reputation and contribution to Indian cricket must not be compromised due to administrative gaps.

Implementation of crowd control measures

The judicial commission had pointed out gaps in crowd movement protocols, emergency response preparedness and the handling capacity of entry points during high-attendance events. The recommendations included:

  • Introducing emergency lanes and additional evacuation routes
  • Redesigning ticket verification points
  • Deploying higher numbers of trained personnel
  • Integrating real-time crowd analytics
  • Setting up medical response units across the perimeter

Both the government and KSCA leaders have signalled readiness to adopt these measures immediately.

Bengaluru’s sporting identity at stake

For Bengaluru, Chinnaswamy Stadium is not just a sporting venue but a cultural landmark. It has hosted decades of memorable cricket—from iconic Test matches to electrifying IPL nights. The possibility of matches shifting away has caused concern among fans, local businesses and sports stakeholders.

Local tourism and hospitality sectors, which benefit significantly during IPL matches and international fixtures, have also been vocal about the need to retain the events within the city.

The road ahead

With political support and a newly energised KSCA leadership, the stadium is expected to undergo streamlined improvements in the coming months. However, the final decision to restore full hosting rights rests on the judicial commission’s review of implemented reforms.

For now, Bengaluru’s cricket lovers can take solace in the strong assurances from both the Deputy CM and the KSCA President. Their statements indicate a united push toward ensuring that Bengaluru continues to be a major centre for high-profile cricket.