RCB To Play IPL 2026 Matches At Chinnaswamy Stadium? Karnataka Deputy CM Says 'We Will Ensure...'

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday announced that Chinnaswamy Stadium will continue to host future IPL matches. It is yet to be confirmed whether the iconic venue will host RCB's home matches in the upcoming IPL 2026. The stadium has been the home venue for the franchise for a long period of time.

The announcement comes amid doubts over hosting the event in Karnataka following the June 4 stampede at the stadium, which occurred when a large crowd had gathered to celebrate the Royal Challengers Bangalore's victory in IPL 2025. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) presidential elections, Shivakumar said a new large stadium will also be constructed in the future.

"I'm a cricket lover. We will ensure that the accident in Karnataka does not happen again and hold cricket events at Chinnaswamy Stadium in a manner that upholds the honour of Bengaluru," the deputy chief minister said.

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He added that the KSCA will operate the stadium within the framework of the law, with proper crowd management measures in place. Shivakumar emphasised, "We will not shift the IPL elsewhere and will continue to hold it here at Chinnaswamy Stadium. This is the pride of Bengaluru and Karnataka, which we will retain."

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When asked about women's matches, he said the government will ensure opportunities for them as well.

In the IPL 2025, the Chinnaswamy Stadium hosted a total of six matches, and RCB won two matches at home while losing three. One match was abandoned due to rain.

Talking about the upcoming season, the IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to take place on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. Unlike the mega auctions, the 2026 edition will be a mini auction completed in a single day. Defending champions RCB parted ways with England all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the IPL auction. On the other hand, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, New Zealand power hitter Tim Seifert and Zimbabwe speedster Blessing Muzarabani have also left the franchise.