RCB’s IPL 2026 Fixtures Expected to Stay at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium
Bengaluru will host all IPL 2026 matches as planned, with stronger security and a new stadium also in the works.
Karnataka Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar has made it clear that no IPL games will be shifted out of Bengaluru next season. He said all IPL 2026 fixtures planned for M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will go ahead as scheduled.
He spoke after casting his vote in the KSCA elections. His message came at a time when many fans feared that major matches might be moved following the tragic overcrowding incident during RCB’s title celebrations.
Shivakumar said the government will be fully prepared for future events. He added that security will be tightened for every big match, including the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup games. He stressed that Bengaluru will not lose its place as a major cricket host city.
The Deputy CM also spoke about his personal link with the sport. He said, “I am a member of the KSCA. When I was young, Nagaraj gave me a membership. His son is my classmate. I know many people from Brijesh Patel, including Anil Kumble and Prasanna. I voted for the ones I wanted.”
He added that the Chinnaswamy Stadium must stay dignified. He said, “We will take care that the recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains. The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework. In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative.”
Looking Ahead to IPL 2026
The state plans to build a new and bigger cricket stadium in Bengaluru. This is expected to ease crowd pressure and help the city host more international events in the future.
Meanwhile, IPL teams have already started preparing for the next season. The IPL 2026 mini auction will be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi. It will be a one day event and marks the third year in a row that the auction takes place overseas.
The defending champions have released Liam Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani. They are reshaping their overseas group as they plan for another strong season.
Shivakumar summed up his stand by saying, “This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here. We will allow whatever matches are available in the coming days.”
