NEW DELHI: In a bid to safeguard IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have proposed installing 300–350 AI-enabled cameras at the venue. The franchise has also offered to cover the estimated cost of Rs 4.5 crore for the advanced crowd management system.

RCB submitted the proposal formally to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).

"RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately Rs 4.5 crore," the franchise said in a release.

"The advanced surveillance technology will empower the KSCA and law enforcement agencies to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety," the franchise added.

All cricket activities at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium were suspended following a tragic stampede last year that claimed 11 lives during RCB's IPL trophy celebrations.

A task force appointed by the state government is set to submit its report on Saturday after reviewing the ongoing safety improvement measures at the stadium.

The investigation attributed the June 4 disaster to inadequate crowd management, noting that massive crowds had gathered outside the venue for RCB's celebrations. The report also held RCB accountable, stating that the franchise encouraged large fan turnouts despite lacking the necessary clearances from civic authorities and law enforcement agencies.

In response to the tragedy, RCB provided compensation to the families of the victims and established a foundation to engage with their fanbase.

For its latest proposal, the franchise said it has partnered with Staqu, a company, which it said has a proven track record in enhancing public safety through automation and data-driven intelligence. Staqu has listed Bihar Police and the Election Commission of India as its clients on its official website.

The success stories that the company has posted include a past collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Prison and Administrative Reform Services to centralise the video feeds from over 3000 CCTV cameras in more than 60 jails at a command centre for review of security breaches, violence, overcrowding and unauthorised access.

"Staqu's state-of-the-art facial recognition technology and intelligent monitoring of objects, crowd, perimeters and vehicles has assisted many State Police forces in their regular monitoring and investigations," said RCB.

"The integration of this advanced technology will elevate crowd management standards and reinforce a safe, secure and seamless matchday experience for all fans," the team asserted.

The AI-driven real-time camera system relies on video, audio and text data, enabling match-day security forces to detect unauthorised access and intrusion to take preventive measures well in advance.

If the venue does not receive essential permission from government agencies to hold IPL 2026 matches, the RCB management is thinking of taking its home matches to Raipur and Pune.

A venue is required to be handed over to the authorities at least a month before the start of the IPL, and this edition of the league is tentatively scheduled to start March 26.

Before that, the country would be hosting the T20 World Cup from February 7 and the Chinnaswamy has not been able to bag a single game for that either after failing to obtain necessary NOCs. The global event's final is scheduled for March 8.

(With PTI Inputs)