With uncertainty over the home ground of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), the defending champions have proposed a new plan to be able to host matches in Bengaluru (M Chinnaswamy Stadium) itself after the disastrous stampede last year, which claimed multiple lives.
It is now understood that the RCB franchise has opted for a new crowd control procedure in an official confirmation to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The plan of action will be to put up close to 300-350 AI-driven cameras, which will cost around INR 4.5 crores – an expenditure that the RCB management is willing to bear.
According to a TOI report, “RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately Rs 4.5 crore.”
The report added that the new method will assist authorities to, “Efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety.”
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The M Chinnaswamy stadium has not hosted any competitive cricket game since the tragic incident and was recently denied permission for the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT 2025-26) games. While A government-appointed task force, implemented by Justice John Michael D’Cunha is set to submit its report after reviewing ongoing safety upgrades, time is running out for the Bengaluru venue as the dates for the IPL 2026 season draw near.
The renowned ground will also not be privy to any of the T20 World Cup 2026 matches due to pending NOCs and RCB will need to have their contingency plans ready if Bengaluru is denied hosting rights for IPL 2026.
According to reports, RCB already have to possible stadiums in the pipeline to shift bases for next season – Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium and Raipur’s Shaheen Veer Narayan Singh Stadium. A clearer picture of the same is expected in the coming days.
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