New Delhi, Jan 17 (NationPress) The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has received the green light to once again host Indian Premier League (IPL) and international cricket matches, according to a statement from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Saturday.

"We are delighted to inform that the Home Department of the Government of Karnataka has authorized the Karnataka State Cricket Association to resume hosting international cricket and IPL matches at this iconic venue. This approval comes with specific terms and conditions set forth by the government and relevant authorities," remarked Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the official spokesperson of KSCA.

This formal sanction for high-profile cricket events marks the end of a prolonged period of uncertainty, as the stadium was removed from the cricket calendar following a tragic stampede during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 championship celebrations on June 4, which resulted in the loss of eleven lives and injuries to 56 others.

In the aftermath, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) relocated several major events away from Chinnaswamy Stadium, including the Duleep Trophy, the India–South Africa men’s A series, the Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, along with its final.

The resumption of matches at the venue was contingent upon implementing recommendations from the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, commissioned as part of the investigation into the incident.

“KSCA is confident in meeting all the stipulated requirements. The Association has already submitted a comprehensive compliance plan to the Expert Review Committee and is fully committed to enforcing all safety, security, and crowd-management protocols diligently,” added Mruthyunjaya.

The KSCA has also faced administrative challenges, operating without both a treasurer and a secretary for months after their resignations, which were prompted by moral accountability for the tragedy. Last year, a committee led by Venkatesh Prasad was appointed and immediately prioritized reinstating matches at this historic cricket venue.

With the state government’s approval now secured, it remains to be seen whether RCB will host all of its IPL 2026 home games at Chinnaswamy, especially in light of recent discussions between its vice-president Rajesh Menon and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai about potentially playing two matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.