BENGALURU: Efforts are underway not only to bring franchise cricket (Indian Premier League) back to M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru city but international matches as well, said newly elected president of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Venkatesh Prasad. The Chinnaswamy stadium is operated by KSCA and KSCA president stated “No international matches have been held at the Chinnaswamy stadium for the last 3 years.”
It may be recalled here the State Government withdrew hosting rights of KSCA after stampede on June 4 which killed 11 persons and injured as many as 70 when a huge crowd gathering tried to enter Chinnaswamy stadium to watch felicitation to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning their maiden IPL trophy.
Prasad said the inaugural match of IPL-2026 would be conducted in Chinnaswamy stadium and stated “We have oral communication but we want it in writing from the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI).” Normally, the opening ceremony for IPL-2026 is held in the home town of the defending champion.
Talking to reporters in Mysuru on Tuesday, Venkatesh Prasad said bringing back international and Indian Premier League (IPL), franchise cricket, back to Chinnaswamy stadium is a “daunting” task especially after the stampede on June 4 this year.
Regarding conducting IPL matches at Chinnaswamy stadium, Prasad said he held discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar while holding a phonic conversation with Minister of Home Dr G. Parameshwar who assured support from making security arrangements.
A meeting was held with the BCCI Secretary to host matches at the Chinnaswamy stadium and the Secretary heaved a sigh of relief over the green signal accorded by the State Government to conduct IPL matches at the stadium, he said and stated “Our efforts needed backing by BCCI.”
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