Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has put an end to speculation over the future of IPL matches in Bengaluru, firmly confirming that the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium will continue to host all fixtures for the 2026 season. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in the KSCA elections on Sunday, Shivakumar said relocating the matches was never an option, calling it a matter of “respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru.” His assurance comes after concerns triggered by the tragic incident during the RCB victory celebrations earlier this year.
Shivakumar emphasised that the government is fully committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and smooth functioning of the stadium. He said measures would be taken to prevent any recurrence of past mishaps and that crowd management would be strengthened within legal parameters. The Deputy Chief Minister also announced that the government plans to develop a larger alternative stadium to meet Bengaluru’s growing demand for world-class sporting infrastructure.
When asked about hosting the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures, Shivakumar said Karnataka would welcome any matches allotted to the state. He added that Bengaluru’s passion for cricket and its strong administrative ecosystem make it an ideal venue for major international tournaments. Reflecting on his participation in the KSCA polls, he acknowledged his long-standing association with the cricketing community and expressed confidence in the newly elected representatives.
Also Read: Ambedkar Memorial at Indu Mill to Be Completed by 6 December 2026: Fadnavis
In discussing the future of the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shivakumar reiterated his love for the game and promised that the government would protect the venue’s legacy. He highlighted its historical significance and assured fans that development plans would elevate the stadium to global standards. According to him, preserving its prestige is essential to maintaining Bengaluru’s identity as one of India’s premier cricketing hubs.
Meanwhile, preparations for the IPL 2026 mini-auction are underway, with the event scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi. This marks the third consecutive year that the auction will take place overseas. Unlike the mega auctions, this edition will be completed in a single day. Royal Challengers Bengaluru have made notable changes to their squad, releasing England all-rounder Liam Livingstone, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert, and Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani.
RCB have retained standout pacer Yash Dayal, who was instrumental in the team’s title-winning campaign but has since faced legal troubles over allegations raised against him in June. The franchise also parted ways with opening batter Mayank Agarwal—brought in as injury cover for Devdutt Padikkal—and young talent Swastik Chikara, who exited without making his debut. With these changes, RCB aims to rebuild a balanced lineup ahead of the high-stakes 2026 season, which Shivakumar insists will unfold entirely at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Also Read: Trump Receives FIFA Peace Prize at World Cup Draw Amid Global Political Scrutiny