Karnataka cabinet gives conditional nod to host IPL games in Chinnaswamy

The Karnataka Cabinet has given conditional approval to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host IPL games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated the approval is subject to compliance with safety and security requirements to protect Bengaluru's image.

The venue has not hosted domestic or international matches since a stampede on June 4 during RCB's victory celebrations, which resulted in 11 fatalities. KSCA's new president, Venkatesh Prasad, has previously expressed determination to bring international cricket back to the stadium.

Following this development, the KSCA will relocate four Vijay Hazare Trophy matches involving Delhi from Alur to Chinnaswamy. Consequently, Virat Kohli is expected to play at the venue sooner, as he recently confirmed his availability for the tournament.

"We have decided about the IPL matches. We are positive. We have asked our Home Minister G Parameshwara to meet with them (KSCA authorities)," Shivakumar told reporters on Friday. "We want all IPL matches to continue. We don't want Bengaluru's image to be spoilt, though what happened (the stampede) was not right."