New Delhi: After months of uncertainty, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) finally received a nod from the state government to host IPL and international matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The KSCA on Saturday received the permission, which was pending for months, from Karnataka state home department which found the security enhancement work at the iconic stadium satisfactory.

The government had appointed a task force to ascertain the security work at the venue especially after it was deemed unfit to host international fixtures post the 2025 stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebration. Post the examination of the report, the government gave the go-ahead.

‘We are pleased to inform you that the Home Department, Government of Karnataka, has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host international and IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru,’ said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the KSCA spokesperson.

The spokesperson also said that the association is confident of meeting all the parameters put down by the government committee and is ensuring full cooperation for smooth conduct of games at the stadium. It is also being learnt that the permission is subject to specific terms and conditions laid down by the authorities.

‘The permission is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the Government and the concerned authorities. KSCA is confident of fulfilling all the stipulated conditions,’ he added.

Cricketing activities halted post tragedy

All the cricketing activities were halted at the stadium after 11 fans lost their lives and many others were injured outside the venue during RCB’s celebration last season. The reasons behind the tragedy were investigated thoroughly and it was found that the due to the lack of crowd management, people were entangled in a stampede when lakhs of fans had thronged the venue to take part in the team’s maiden title win.

The new state association regime headed by former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has been holding talks with various government agencies since last month to bring cricket back to the venue. This development might also come up as a good news and halt the talks of RCB shifting their home matches to Raipur, Navi Mumbai or Pune this year.

Earlier on Friday, RCB had proposed to install 300-350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue and offered to bear the estimated cost of Rs 4.50 crore for this initiative.

(With PTI inputs)