IPL matches at Chinnaswamy not a done deal yet

The Government of Karnataka may have given the go-ahead for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but it is not a done deal yet. There is some back and forth among the three parties involved - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the state government.

"You have to speak to RCB," said a top KSCA official hinting at lack of clarity on the subject. "The KSCA has got the government permission to host the IPL matches. However, all the works to be undertaken and completed are under progress and will be completed as per schedule."

While announcing Hubballi as the venue for the Ranji Trophy recently, the KSCA had stated, "At present, extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement works are underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in line with the recommendations of the Expert Committee and other statutory authorities. Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works,"

The works undertaken by the KSCA is expected to be completed by the end of the month. However, it is understood that the franchise, following the tragic events of June 4, 2025, is seeking an unconditional clearance to host the matches rather than a conditional approval. The franchise has conducted a recce in Raipur and is exploring the option of staging games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Chhattisgarh's capital city.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the schedule for IPL 2026, with the delay caused by the wait for the dates of the Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The BCCI normally draws up the IPL programme around the election dates. The uncertainty over the readiness of the Chinnaswamy Stadium has added to the delay.

Meanwhile, in a somewhat similar situation, the Rajasthan Royals have sought indemnity from the state government to host their matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.

"Given the identified and compliance risks, any decision by the BCCI for RR to host matches at SMS Stadium should be subject to a formal indemnity from the state or stadium authority, protecting RR from liability arising from structural, life-safety, electrical or public safety failures beyond our operational control," a note given by the franchise to the BCCI and the state government states.

Cricbuzz reported about the possibility of RR playing four of their seven games in Jaipur on February 11 after an intervention from the Rajasthan State Government.

The IPL is currently slated to commence on March 26.