Karnataka State Cricket Association chief Venkatesh Prasad opened up about hosting IPL 2026 matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Prasad said that state authorities have allowed matches to be held at the venue, provided the specific conditions set by the Karnataka state government are fulfilled.
11 people lost their lives, and several others were injured outside the stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations last year. Following the stampede during the victory parade on June 4, no matches were scheduled at the venue. Any future permission to host games will depend on approval from the state government.
We Had Promised to Bring Back the IPL Bengaluru – Venkatesh Prasad
Speaking at a press conference in Bengaluru on January 21, Venkatesh Prasad said that the KSCA has taken a major step toward bringing IPL matches back to the city. He stated that the first major hurdle had been cleared after authorities gave conditional approval to host games at the stadium.
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“We had promised to bring back the IPL to this great city and iconic stadium, and the first hurdle has been cleared,” Prasad said.
“If all the agencies were not convinced that KSCA can achieve whatever is laid out in the timeline given, they wouldn’t have given us this conditional approval… There was no day or night for us in the last 30-45 days,” he added.
Still A Lot Of Work Has to Be Done – Venkatesh Prasad
Prasad also said that a lot of work still remains before cricket can return to Bengaluru. He stated that the KSCA is in talks with multiple agencies and contractors. He hinted that a few individuals are trying to create obstacles with the intention of delaying the return of matches to the stadium.
“Still a lot of work has to be done. We’re talking to different agencies, contractors, etc., to make sure we provide the highest standards of safety, governance, and spectator welfare as well,” Prasad continued.
“In everything that we are doing there are a few individuals who are trying to create hurdles. With the apparent intent of delaying the return of cricket to the Chinnaswamy Stadium.”
The Ball Is In RCB’s Court – Venkatesh Prasad
Venkatesh Prasad also said that he hopes RCB will play all their home matches in Bengaluru, including the opening game. He added that the KSCA is confident of completing all requirements by the end of February. He also noted that RCB have not yet communicated their plans to the government.
“I sincerely hope and pray that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru play all their home matches, including the opening match, here. We are confident we are going to complete the job by end of February to get the unconditional letter from the Govt of Karnataka,” Venkatesh said.
“The ball is in RCB’s court. I also hope that RCB also get involved and engage with the government for the smooth conduct of matches. So far it’s been one-sided,” he added.
“After doing all this, I sincerely hope and pray that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru play all their home matches, including the opening match, here.
We are confident we are going to complete the job by end of February to get the unconditional letter from the Govt of Karnataka.”— Saurabh Somani (@saurabh_42) January 21, 2026
Also read: IPL 2026 venues revealed; RCB ‘too scared’ to play at Chinnaswamy, beg Mumbai Indians for NOC
