IPL will not move out of Bengaluru, declares DK Shivakumar amid Chinnaswamy uncertainty

Deputy CM reiterates Karnataka’s commitment to hosting IPL matches despite safety concerns after the stampede incident

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has given a clear assurance that IPL matches will not be shifted out of Bengaluru, stating that the state’s sporting pride must remain intact. His stance comes amid months of uncertainty over the return of cricket to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, where mainstream cricket has been halted since the stampede earlier this year.

The Deputy CM made his position known after casting his vote in the KSCA elections. He emphasised that the government is committed to ensuring that IPL fixtures continue at their traditional venue and that Bengaluru will remain an essential part of the tournament’s calendar.

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The concern around hosting major matches emerged after the tragic stampede outside the stadium during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title celebrations, where 11 people died and several others were injured. The incident raised serious questions about crowd management and the stadium’s preparedness for high-intensity events, resulting in a temporary halt to cricket at the venue.

Reiterating Karnataka’s cricketing legacy, the Deputy CM underlined his long-standing association with stalwarts such as Brijesh Patel, Anil Kumble, and EAS Prasanna, and stressed that Bengaluru must continue to be a central hub for the sport.

The government has also committed to preventing such mishaps in the future by ensuring stronger crowd control, adherence to legal norms and improved safety protocols. Along with restoring full cricketing activity at Chinnaswamy, plans are underway to build an alternative stadium to support growing demand for large-scale matches.

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The assurance marks a significant step in restoring confidence in Bengaluru as a premier cricket centre, reinforcing that IPL matches will remain within the city and that no future edition will be shifted away from the state capital.