Bengaluru, Feb 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka government convened a crucial meeting on Thursday with members from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and senior officials to deliberate on the proposal for hosting the IPL's inaugural match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

A conclusive decision is expected after the State Cabinet meeting later that evening.

The meeting, led by Home Minister G. Parameshwara at Vidhana Soudha, is particularly important as the renowned stadium had been prohibited from hosting matches following the tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, during the celebrations of RCB’s first IPL title that resulted in the loss of 11 lives.

Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Tushar Girinath, DGP and IGP M.A. Saleem, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Home Secretary K.V. Sharath Chandra, Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad, the KSCA Secretary, and RCB officials.

After the meeting, Parameshwara informed the media that they discussed key recommendations from the retired Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission, which was established to investigate the stampede. “We have instructed KSCA and RCB to enforce major recommendations, and they have already initiated compliance in various areas,” he stated.

He emphasized that the Cabinet would make the final decision on allowing matches in Bengaluru. “The Cabinet has tasked the Home Ministry with conducting consultations and reporting back. I will brief the Cabinet this evening, after which an official announcement will be made,” he added.

Parameshwara pointed out that stakeholders have addressed short-term recommendations and begun steps towards infrastructure improvements and long-term measures. “Traditionally, the IPL season opens at the home ground of the reigning champions. Since RCB clinched the trophy, the inaugural match is proposed for Chinnaswamy Stadium. They have requested government approval for this,” he explained.

A committee led by GBA Chairman Maheshwar Rao, including representatives from the police, PWD, Health Department, and other agencies, has reviewed the matter. Its report was discussed during the two-hour meeting on Thursday.

The Home Minister remarked that some recommendations pertain to infrastructure enhancements like gates, walkways, and holding areas, while others involve immediate non-infrastructure measures such as ambulance deployment and medical staff availability. “They have informed us that actions have already been taken in these areas,” he added.

Regarding accountability in case of future incidents, Parameshwara clarified that the responsibility would rest with the event organizers—KSCA and RCB. “Can the government be held accountable?” he questioned.

He reiterated that while short-term measures have been implemented, medium and long-term projects are in progress. “Some will be completed before the match, potentially by March. Others, like the demolition and reconstruction of specific sections, will take longer,” he said.

“RCB can only submit its request and conditions to the government. They have formally asked for permission to host the inaugural match here,” he concluded.

The Cabinet's decision later today is anticipated to determine if cricketing action will resume at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL opener.