The Karnataka government has given conditional approval to restart cricket matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This decision comes after the venue was banned from hosting events due to a stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL celebrations, resulting in 11 fatalities. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar disclosed the approval, emphasizing the importance of cricket for the youth.
The permission is subject to strict conditions, including selling tickets only up to the approved seating capacity and implementing safety measures recommended by the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission. These measures involve regulating crowd movement with larger gates and ensuring ambulance deployment. Shivakumar expressed regret over the past inconveniences and emphasized the need for vigilance in the future to prevent such incidents.
A high-level meeting was conducted by the state government with officials from various organizations, including the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Home Minister G. Parameshwara chaired the meeting, where discussions revolved around hosting the IPL inaugural match at the stadium. Parameshwara highlighted the importance of adhering to the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Commission to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Stakeholders have begun implementing the Commission’s recommendations, focusing on both short-term and long-term measures. The proposal to host the IPL inaugural match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was discussed, with the government’s permission being sought by RCB. The Cabinet is set to make the final decision on allowing matches in Bengaluru, with a focus on infrastructure upgrades and emergency preparedness.
