IPL 2026: DK Shivakumar Confirms RCB Will Play Home Matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

RCB (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) fans are able to unwind at long last. The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, has given the green light to the team for playing their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru for the IPL 2026 season.

Shivakumar's reassurance came during a press briefing after he had exercised his voting rights in the KSCA elections. It was a reply to the escalating worries about the shifting of RCB's games to another place because of the recent safety concerns at the stadium.

Crown Jewel Trouble After Disaster

In Mumbai, a disaster happened when a stampede during RCB's victory celebrations at Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in the death of 11 people. One of the committees headed by Justice John Michael Cunha subsequently brought to light both structural and safety issues at the site and consequently, there was a rumor that the IPL 2026 matches might be shifted to Pune due to security concerns.

DK Shivakumar’s Promise

Ending all the doubts, Shivakumar said that the city of Bengaluru would be the center of cricket activities and international as well as local cricket will not be moved elsewhere.

He further added that all of the safety concerns would be properly addressed and the stadium will be operating under legal regulations with staff trained in managing crowds more effectively.

‘Our Jewel’ RCB

He who is a cricket-lover himself, Shivakumar went ahead to say, "RCB is our jewel. I will make certain that all problems are sorted out and the matches for IPL 2026 are played at Chinnaswamy Stadium."

A government scheme which includes a plan to have another big stadium in Bengaluru, so as not to have any future problems like this, was also mentioned by him.

This assurance is a promise that RCB fans will, once again, be able to support their team at their historic home ground during IPL 2026.