Will Chinnaswamy Stadium host RCB's IPL 2026 opener vs SRH? Final call to be taken on this date

Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium is scheduled to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28. But, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) is yet to get the final approval to host IPL matches

As per a report by ESPNCricinfo, on March 13, an expert committee appointed by Karnataka government will be conducting an inspection at the venue.

Earlier, KSCA was given until March 15 to complete all the renovations and meet the recommendations made by the Justice D'Cunha Committee following the unfortunate stampede during RCB's IPL 2025 victory celebrations.

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After KSCA selection, former India pacer Venaktesh Prasad was elected president. Prasad has been adamant on making the required changes to safeguard security of the spectators. Also, the board has confirmed that they have addressed all the issues mentioned in the safety audit which led to power supply cut by state's electricity regulatory body in July 2025.

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Since the stampede, RCB has taken steps to ensure safety of the spectators. The RCB and KSCA are also in talks with Benglauru Metro Rail Corporation to incorporate QR code scanning of tickets and prevent overcrowding near the box office for those redeeming online tickets for physical ones a day before the match.

The renovations includes installation of new entry gates and widening the existing ones to smoothen the movement of spectators. Changes have been made to peripheral infrastructure, featuring new walkways and a holding area nearby old National Cricket Academy family. Also, there are  new direct entry and exit routes for emergency services.

How many RCB’s home matches will M Chinnaswamy Stadium host in IPL 2026? 

As per the new schedule announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on March 12, M Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the season opener and the match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5. The rest of the schedule will be announced after the state election dates are confirmed.

In IPL 2026, RCB will play five home games in total at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Rajat Patidar-led side's other two home games will be played at Raipur's Shaheen Veer Narayan Stadium.