NEW DELHI: Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad on Wednesday made it clear that the responsibility now lies with Royal Challengers Bengaluru to continue playing their IPL 2026 home games at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, while also underlining the unwavering love the franchise has received from Bengaluru fans over the years.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium has received conditional clearance from the Karnataka government to host IPL and international matches. This came after the present KSCA administration held multiple rounds of discussions with various state authorities over the past month.

The iconic venue has not seen any cricketing action since June 4, when 11 fans tragically lost their lives in a stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebrations.

"We have received the conditional permission from government, and we are confident of getting an unconditional permission sooner rather than later, and after doing all this, I sincerely hope that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play all their seven home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium," Prasad said here in a select media gathering.

Prasad’s appeal gains importance amid growing speculation that RCB could consider moving their home fixtures to cities like Mumbai, Pune or Raipur.

“So, now the ball is in RCB's court. I also hope that RCB also gets involved and engages with the government for smooth conduct of the matches. So far, it has been only one sided. We are doing this for cricket. Whether it is IPL or international matches. We are doing this for cricket," he added.

Loyalty of Bengaluru fans highlighted

Prasad reminded the RCB management of the fierce loyalty shown by Bengaluru supporters since the franchise came into existence, saying it was now time for the team to reciprocate that support.

"So, from here onwards, the RCB has to take things forward. It is the responsibility of the RCB to take this dialogue forward. It is their responsibility to come back here and play and not to take the game away from Bengaluru.

“They have grown to this level only because of having played in Bengaluru and because of the Bengaluru crowd. So, I have asked them to come and play here,” he said.

KSCA secretary Santosh Menon also stepped in to reassure RCB, stating that the association has fully complied with every corrective step suggested by government officials.

“RCB are keen on playing here. So, let’s not take that away from them. But they have certain apprehensions which they have to clarify, which we will sit together and resolve. Probably they have issues with the government and not with us.

“I am sure the government and they will also be able to resolve it once the ice is broken. We told them that we will facilitate their meetings with the government if required. We will try and work together. It has been our commitment to them and our commitment remains,” said Menon.

RCB decision awaited, BCCI assurance received

Menon further urged RCB to clearly communicate their concerns so that they can be addressed collectively.

“Yes, they have certain apprehensions, and they told us that they will send us a detailed letter mentioning them. But from our side, we have given them confidence. They have to decide whether they want to play or not.

“They have taken time to decide. They have said that they will tell us within the next 10 days about their decision. We are ready to play if they say yes. We have opened the doors for the RCB,” he said.

There has also been talk of franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals being interested in hosting a few matches at the Chinnaswamy.

However, Prasad chose not to comment further on that aspect for now.

At the same time, the former India fast bowler revealed that the BCCI has assured KSCA of international fixtures in the near future.

“We have already missed out on the Women's ODI World Cup and the men’s T20 World Cup. So, the BCCI had told us that we will get some international matches to compensate for that, and that was their word during Tuesday’s IPL Governing Council meeting,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)