Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has affirmed that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will continue to host Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in 2026, dispelling concerns following a tragic stampede after the 2025 IPL final. The devastating incident, which claimed 11 lives, had led to the venue losing hosting rights for several significant tournaments, including the Women’s ODI World Cup and the Maharaja T20 tournament. However, Shivakumar emphasized the importance of the stadium to Bengaluru and Karnataka’s pride, vowing to ensure the safety and security necessary to prevent future tragedies. He expressed his commitment to upholding the stadium’s reputation and also mentioned plans for a new alternative cricket stadium. This strong stance was articulated by the Deputy CM after casting his vote in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) elections, signalling a determination to restore confidence in the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as a premier sporting venue. The venue had previously co-hosted the Women’s Premier League in 2025, but will not host WPL 2026 matches, which are scheduled for Navi Mumbai and Vadodara.
