The Karnataka government praised the Bengaluru City Police for their effective security and crowd management efforts during the IPL 2026 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Home Minister G. Parameshwara appreciated the police personnel during an event at the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office. Following a tragic stampede in 2025, the government had previously banned IPL and international cricket matches at the stadium.
Several reform measures by the Karnataka State Cricket Association, RCB, and event partners led to the lifting of the ban this year. The police engaged in meticulous planning, collaborating with stakeholders like KSCA, RCB, and event partners. Enhanced security measures included the deployment of over 500 CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and AI-based crowd analytics for real-time monitoring.
Significant improvements for this IPL season included public transport integration with metro services, strategic traffic planning, and QR-based digital ticketing to curb black marketing. The police also cracked down on illegal activities during the matches, leading to arrests related to mobile theft and cricket betting cases. The state government acknowledged the leadership of the Bengaluru City Police team for their effective execution of match-day arrangements.
Authorities emphasized the importance of public cooperation, adherence to advisories, use of public transport, and awareness of safety measures for a smooth experience. Plans for further infrastructure enhancements and crowd management systems, including better stadium access integration, were highlighted for future phases.
