Chinnaswamy Stadium will ‘ensure to hold IPL games’:Karnataka Deputy CM Shivkumar even agrees to build bigger stadium for hosting rights

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will not be shifted from Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. His statement has come months after Chinnaswamy Stadium was deemed ‘unsafe’ for large-scale events The Karnataka Deputy CM assured that all IPL 2026 matches would be held at Chinnaswamy. The Indian National Congress member made the statement on Sunday after casting his vote in the KSCA elections. After the request for better venues from Chinnaswamy, the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, as the biggest contender, Shivkumar has made a big claim. ‘Matter of respect for the state of Karnataka’: DK Shivkumar When asked about the relocation of important matches, including the IPL, from this stadium after the tragedy during the RCB celebration, he said, “This is a matter of respect for the state of Karnataka and Bengaluru. We will take steps to ensure that the next IPL matches are held here.” Earlier, about a month ago, Honorary secretary of MCA told Times of India, “This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) is in discussion, but it’s not confirmed yet. They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede that happened. So they are looking out for a venue, and we have offered them our stadium.” When asked about the Women’s T20 World Cup matches, Shivkumar said, “We will allow whatever matches are available in the coming days.” Also Read: Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to play home games in Pune?: Maharashtra Cricket Association offers to host franchise’s fixtures for IPL 2026 Karnataka Deputy CM open to building bigger stadium than Chinnaswamy The Karnataka Deputy CM further added, “Recent disaster does not happen again and ensure that the stadium’s dignity remains. The stadium will be developed by managing the crowd within the legal framework. In addition, we will build a bigger stadium as an alternative.” IPL 2026 auction on 16 December The IPL 2026 auction is set to be held on December 16 in Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive year that the event will take place overseas. Unlike the mega auctions, the 2026 edition will be a mini auction and will be completed in a single day. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have parted ways with England all-rounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the IPL auction. Apart from Livingstone, Lungi Ngidi, power hitter Tim Seifert, and Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani have also been let go.