On Monday, the Karnataka Government made it official that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium can host all the designated home matches of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in its oval. The proceeding was confirmed by Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the spokesperson of Karnataka State Cricket Association.

The government had recently conducted a stadium inspection. They found the new safety works completed and satisfactory before granting permission. The permission was given during a meeting with the KSCA officials and the Home Minister, and an expert committee. Speaking to NDTV, Mruthynjaya said,

“We are extremely happy to inform you that the government has permitted us to play the IPL matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium. All the five matches that RCB had proposed will be played here, and the playoffs and finals are also likely to be held at the stadium."

He added,

“The government has also asked us to ensure that all safety guidelines and standard operating procedures are strictly followed."

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Mruthyunjaya further informed that the stadium has completed its Phase 1 works. This has satisfied the Expert Committee, which conducted a personal inspection across the stadium. 

KSCA Vice President Sujith Somasundar added that the state board will start to have a prominent social media presence, to raise awareness among spectators of certain guidelines on how to attend high-profile matches. He said,

“They were also of the opinion that we should have a strong social media campaign where we will inform the public about all the safety measures. We will educate spectators on how to attend a match of this magnitude, including information on exit points and other arrangements such as ambulance services and additional safety measures that have been incorporated."

He added,

“The full capacity of the stadium is about 33,000 spectators. The authorities have given us permission to host matches at full capacity since all the safety measures have been completed."

Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be playing the opening match of the 2026 IPL. It will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. RCB will play five home games here with two more in Raipur due to previous commitments.