Bengaluru's Iconic Stadium Clears Hurdle to Host IPL, But Safety Comes First

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{ "title": "Bengaluru's Iconic Stadium Clears Hurdle to Host IPL, But Safety Comes First", "article": "The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been given conditional approval to host Indian Premier League matches at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru in 2026, pending strict safety compliance. The decision comes over six months after a deadly stampede that killed 11 people, casting a shadow over the stadium's future. According to sources, the state cabinet has laid down 17 safety conditions, based on recommendations by the Justice Michael D Cunha Committee. These conditions focus on crowd control and emergency preparedness, including separate spaces for ticketing and queuing, improved pedestrian movement, and widening of stadium gates to a minimum of 6 feet. Fire safety measures, dedicated facilities for women and children, and a real-time tracking system for spectators are also part of the plan. The KSCA has been directed to implement these upgrades before being granted permission to host matches. The Justice D Cunha Commission had earlier described the stadium as fundamentally unsafe, citing serious flaws in design, crowd movement, emergency planning, and traffic management. However, the state government is committed to ensuring spectator safety while retaining major sporting events in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated that the government plans to eventually build a new modern cricket stadium, but Chinnaswamy will remain the primary venue in the near future. The KSCA, led by President Venkatesh Prasad, has held discussions with senior officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India to ensure Karnataka does not lose marquee fixtures. The approval is seen as a step towards reviving the stadium's reputation and hosting high-profile events like the IPL."