BENGALURU, Dec 12, 2025 — Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Friday that cricket matches will be permitted at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, subject to strict safety measures and compliance with government directives.
Decision Follows Stampede Safety Review
The move comes after months of uncertainty following a stampede outside the stadium on June 4, when 11 people lost their lives during post-match celebrations. The stadium had been largely inactive for major events since then.
Deputy CM Shivakumar reiterated the government’s commitment to crowd management and spectator safety, saying the Cabinet would take a final call after reviewing recommendations from expert committees.
Conditional Approval With Safety Conditions
The Karnataka Cabinet has given a conditional nod for cricket matches, including potential IPL and international fixtures, provided the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) implements enhanced safety and security protocols.
Key safety measures being emphasized include:
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Compliance with the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission’s recommendations on crowd control and infrastructure.
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Improved entry and exit points for mass gatherings.
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Emergency evacuation preparedness aligning with international norms.
Govt. Reiterates Support for Cricket Legacy
Shivakumar, who also holds the Bengaluru Development portfolio, stressed that the state government is keen to maintain Bengaluru’s status as a major cricket venue and does not intend to shift IPL or other matches out of the city.
He noted the importance of implementing crowd-management guidelines and stated that the government and KSCA are cooperating closely to ensure safe conduct of future matches.
Fans and Future Fixtures
Cricket enthusiasts in Karnataka have welcomed the news, with hopes that the stadium will soon resume hosting high-profile matches if safety protocols are fully met.
The final operational details and match schedule will be finalized after further Cabinet reviews and safety clearances.