IPL Stadiums Face Safety Scrutiny
The BCCI is conducting a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru today to assess stadium preparedness. This follows last year's RCB stampede and recent renovations, with the inspection determining whether RCB can return to their home ground—highlighting the critical importance of safety protocols for large sports events.
The Karnataka government appointed expert committee is inspecting M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This inspection, scheduled for today, will determine if the venue can host IPL 2026 matches. The decision follows a tragic stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebrations in June 2025, where 11 people died and over 50 were injured. Following the stampede, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has undertaken extensive renovations. These include installing new entry gates, widening existing ones, and creating new walkways and emergency exits. The Justice D'Cunha Committee, formed after the stampede, set a March 15 deadline for these upgrades. The KSCA has also been in close contact with government officials and resolved issues that previously led to power disconnection due to fire safety regulation non-compliance. To manage crowds, the KSCA is coordinating with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation and introducing QR code ticket scanning. RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
