Deputy CM assures IPL matches will not be moved out of Chinnaswamy Stadium

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy CM) D K Shivakumar on Sunday assured that IPL matches will continue to be held at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

After stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) victory celebrations on June 4, 2025, the stadium was deemed unfit for gathering of large crowd. The stadium has also been left out of the 2026 T20 World Cup schedule.  

Speaking to the media after casting his vote in the KSCA elections at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shivakumar referred to the recent accident and the subsequent suspension of matches. “This is a matter of pride for Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will ensure that the upcoming IPL matches are held here,” he stated.

When asked about hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup matches, he added, “We will provide opportunities for all upcoming matches in the coming days.”

On his vote in the KSCA elections, Shivakumar said, “I am a KSCA member. I received membership from Nagaraj when I was young. His son was my classmate. I know many people, including Anil Kumble, Prasanna, through Brijesh Patel. I voted for those I wanted to support.”

The DyCM, a self-professed cricket enthusiast, also assured that measures would be taken to prevent future accidents. “We will maintain the stadium’s dignity, manage crowd control under the law, and develop the venue further. Additionally, plans are underway to construct an alternative large stadium,” he said.