Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said that the State Cabinet will take the final call on whether Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will be allowed to be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru this season, following a review of safety and infrastructure measures.
Addressing reporters after a high-level meeting with officials and stakeholders, the Home Minister said he would brief the Cabinet later in the evening based on the latest compliance report and recommendations, after which a formal decision would be taken.
The development comes amid renewed scrutiny over stadium preparedness, crowd management systems and emergency response infrastructure.
Cabinet decision expected after evening briefing
Parameshwara said he had been authorised to review the matter and place the findings before the Cabinet for a final decision.
“The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been directed to follow the recommendations based on Justice John Michael D’Cunha’s report. Some of the recommendations have already been complied with,” he said.
He added that a detailed report from a government-appointed high-level committee had been received on Thursday.
“A high-level committee was formed by the government, comprising the GBA chief, the city police commissioner and other senior officials. We received the report today. I will brief the Cabinet at 6 pm and a decision will be taken on whether to allow IPL matches at the stadium or not,” the Home Minister said.
RCB sought permission to play opening match in Bengaluru
According to Parameshwara, the request to host matches — including the inaugural fixture — came from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise.
“They had sought permission to play the inaugural match from Bengaluru, since they won last year and are defending champions,” he said.
The request has added urgency to the government’s review, as opening matches typically draw very large crowds and require extensive security, traffic and medical preparedness.
Officials said multiple departments have examined readiness related to entry and exit gates, spectator holding areas, vehicle parking, surveillance and emergency access routes.
Justice D’Cunha report compliance under review
The Home Minister emphasised that compliance with recommendations made in the Justice John Michael D’Cunha report remains central to the government’s decision-making process.
The report had suggested a series of corrective and preventive measures related to stadium infrastructure, crowd control planning, emergency evacuation systems and coordination between organisers and civic agencies.
Parameshwara said authorities have verified that at least some of these measures have already been implemented, while others are in progress.
“Some concerns raised are infrastructural in nature, while others relate to operational preparedness. We are examining both,” he noted.
Infrastructure and emergency services concerns flagged
Parameshwara said representatives of RCB raised certain practical concerns during discussions with officials.
“Some of the concerns raised by RCB representatives include gates, parking areas and holding areas, which are infrastructural in nature,” he said.
He clarified that not all pending items require major structural changes.
“The others — like providing ambulances and doctors — are not infrastructure concerns and can be immediately addressed. They say steps have already been taken,” he added.
Officials indicated that emergency medical response capacity, on-site ambulances, doctor availability and coordination with nearby hospitals are among the key parameters being checked before clearance is granted.
Responsibility lies with organisers, says Home Minister
The Home Minister underlined that the responsibility for safely conducting IPL matches would rest primarily with the organisers — namely the KSCA and the franchise — and not with the State government.
“It is RCB and KSCA who are conducting the event. Those who host the event will have to be responsible. The government can’t be held responsible,” he said.
However, he also noted that police, traffic authorities and disaster response teams would still play their mandated roles in ensuring law and order and public safety around the venue if permission is granted.
Multi-agency coordination planned if approved
Sources in the administration said that if the Cabinet approves hosting of IPL matches, a coordinated action plan will be rolled out involving the city police, traffic police, health department, BBMP and emergency services.
Special traffic diversions, parking management plans, crowd dispersal protocols and surveillance measures are expected to be enforced around the stadium on match days.
Conclusion
With the high-level committee report now submitted and compliance measures under review, the Karnataka Cabinet’s decision will determine whether IPL action returns to the Chinnaswamy Stadium this season. The government has indicated that safety, infrastructure readiness and accountability of organisers will be the key deciding factors.