Cricket matches can once again be organised at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium. They have received policy approval for this. On Friday, the Karnataka cabinet gave permission to reuse the venue, subject to new conditions, but the conditions are quite stringent and complex, determined based on the recommendations of the Justice D'Cunha Commission.
The cabinet has given the Home Ministry the power to make the final decision. Permission to organise matches will not be granted unless all security and structural conditions mentioned in the commission's report are fulfilled. Government sources have clearly stated, 'No matches will be held unless the Cunha Report's recommendations are implemented.'
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The D'Cunha Commission's July report mentioned that this stadium, built in 1974, lacks modern basic security systems. Just a few months ago, a judicial investigation declared the stadium 'fundamentally unsafe' for major events.
Shadow of the stampede incident
Eleven people lost their lives in a stampede during RCB's IPL victory celebration on June 4. In investigating that incident, the commission found that the stadium's design and infrastructure create 'unacceptable risks' in crowd control, emergency response, and traffic management.
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Shivakumar's firm stance
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar told reporters, 'I will not allow IPL matches to be moved elsewhere, they will be held here.' He described it as a matter of pride for Bengaluru and Karnataka. Calling himself a 'cricket lover,' Shivakumar assured that the government will ensure such accidents do not happen again. Plans to construct a new stadium as a future alternative will also be advanced.
KSCA's swift action
Newly elected KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad and his team met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar in Belagavi on Wednesday. Their goal is to bring top-level cricket back to Chinnaswamy Stadium. Prasad said the new administration has already held discussions with BCCI's top officials.
