The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has passed a final hurdle to host the matches ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026. The iconic venue in Bengaluru is also cleared to host Royal Challengers Bengaluru's five home matches in the IPL 2026.
This development came after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) received permission from the Karnataka government to host the matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue was subject to clearance when the BCCI announced a schedule of the first phase of the IPL 2026 on March 11.
After an initial inspection by the Expert Committee on March 13, the government gave its nod to host the matches in Bengaluru on Monday, March 16. Home minister Dr. G. Parameshwar hosted the meeting with the committee and the members of KSCA and RCB before announcing the government's approval.
"We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the KSCA stated in a media release.
"Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon'ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru," added the release.
Also read: IPL 2026 schedule announced, RCB to take on SRH in season opener on March 28
M Chinnaswamy to host IPL 2026 opener
With all formalities cleared, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is set to host the IPL 2026 opener. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in a curtain-raiser on March 28.
The venue is also set to host RCB's four more league-stage matches, one playoff, and the final of IPL 2026. RCB will play their second home match of the season in Bengaluru against the arch rivals Chennai Super Kings on April 5. The Rajat Patidar-led side will play their remaining two matches in Raipur.
Meanwhile, after clinching their first-ever IPL trophy last year, Virat Kohli-starred RCB will look to defend their title in 2026. They managed to retain a core group of players before the auction and further strengthened their squad with new signings of Venkatesh Iyer and Jacob Duffy.
