Chinnaswamy Stadium matches under review after June stampede, says Karnataka Home Minister

Bengaluru: A committee has been constituted to assess the possibility of holding cricket matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Home Minister G Parameshwara said on Monday.

The move comes after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) sought permission to conduct a Vijay Hazare Trophy match at the venue without spectators.

Parameshwara held a meeting with KSCA office bearers, senior officials, and police officers at the Vidhana Soudha to discuss protocols for resuming matches. Major events at the stadium had been suspended following a stampede outside during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL victory celebration on June 4, 2025, which claimed 11 lives.

“We have formed a committee headed by the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) commissioner. The committee includes the police commissioner, and officials from PWD, Fire, and Health departments, who will visit the stadium and provide feedback,” the minister said.

The KSCA has requested permission to hold the Vijay Hazare Trophy match on December 24 without spectators. Permissions for future IPL matches have also been sought. The committee will review stadium safety measures, including adherence to 17-point recommendations outlined by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner, and provide feedback to the government for a final decision.

Parameshwara noted that KSCA has assured compliance with all recommended safety measures. The committee visited the stadium on Monday to begin its evaluation, officials said.

The decision will determine when and how cricket matches, including IPL games, can resume at one of India’s premier cricket venues.
(With PTI inputs)