Karnataka Govt to Decide on Resuming Matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium on December 11

Belagavi, Dec 2025 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said that the state Cabinet will take a final decision on allowing cricket matches at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during its meeting scheduled for Thursday (December 11). The stadium has remained suspended from hosting matches since the June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives.

Speaking to reporters at the Belagavi Circuit House after meeting newly elected Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) President and former Indian pacer Venkatesh Prasad, along with other office-bearers, Shivakumar said the government’s approach would balance public sentiment and safety.

“We have no intention of stopping cricket matches. But crowd-management measures need to be examined. We also intend to implement the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee in a phased manner. Venkatesh Prasad too has agreed to this,” he said.

He added that the government is committed to addressing the concerns of cricket fans while ensuring that the dignity and self-respect of Karnataka are not compromised. “Whether it is the IPL or any other match, we will not allow them to be shifted out of Bengaluru. I have conveyed that we should work together. The government is also ready to build new stadiums, and this too will be discussed,” he stated.

According to Shivakumar, the newly appointed KSCA leadership met both him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking cooperation ahead of the upcoming cricket calendar. “I wish Venkatesh Prasad’s team — which has the support of former cricketers Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble and has now taken charge — the very best. I have conveyed the government’s congratulations,” he added.

The June 4 stampede, one of the worst fan-related disasters in Indian cricket, occurred when massive crowds gathered outside Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title win. Although the stadium has a capacity of about 35,000, the crowd reportedly swelled to between 2 and 3 lakh people.

Confusion over ticket distribution, especially regarding free passes, and rumours of last-minute entry triggered chaos at multiple gates. A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against stadium authorities and organising bodies, including KSCA, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and the event management firm, citing negligence and inadequate crowd-control measures. The tragedy drew sharp criticism over stadium safety protocols, last-minute planning, and the broader management of large sporting events.

Following the incident, the state government suspended hosting rights at Chinnaswamy Stadium until a comprehensive structural-safety audit was completed. Permission for any future high-capacity events — including IPL matches, international fixtures, or major domestic tournaments — has been made contingent on this audit and the implementation of recommended safety upgrades.

Thursday’s Cabinet meeting is expected to chart the path forward for Bengaluru’s iconic cricket venue, addressing both immediate concerns and long-term infrastructure plans to ensure safe, hassle-free experiences for spectators.

Team Maverick.