Chinnaswamy upgrade: Panel says KSCA is behind the clock

Bengaluru: Despite claims by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the expert committee set up by the state government has found the state’s cricketing body lagging in the timely implementation of the recommendations before IPL begins, likely at the end of March. 

The timeline committed by KSCA does not evoke satisfaction with the actual work done on the ground, well-placed sources told DH. 

Even as the concerns remain, on Tuesday, both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and KSCA announced through a press release and a press conference, respectively, that five matches, one playoff, and the final of the IPL 2026 season will be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Eleven people had died and scores were left injured on June 4, 2025, at the stadium following a stampede during RCB’s maiden title victory celebrations. 

A commission headed by retired high court judge Justice John Michael D’Cunha was set up to inquire into the incident. The state government later set up an expert committee chaired by M Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner, Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), to oversee the implementation of the recommendations by the D’Cunha commission. 

The state government also issued an order on February 16, empowering the committee to accept or deny permission to host matches at the stadium based on the implementation of the recommendations.

A copy was reviewed by DH. 

DH has learnt that KSCA had mutually agreed with the committee to implement the recommendations in three phases: short-term, medium-term and long-term. March 5 and March 10 were decided as the dates for the implementation of the first phase. Documents supporting this were also reviewed by DH.

“KSCA is not following the directions of the expert committee, especially regarding the removal of obstructions and the setting up of holding areas. There is also a lack of consensus within the KSCA on using the KSCA B ground as a holding area,” a well-placed source aware of the development said. 

Some of the pending recommendations include the lack of a plan for an emergency exit route and evacuation drills, details of the medical triage facility, etc, the sources said.

Further, the committee was kept in the dark about the press release and the press conference on Tuesday, the sources said, adding that a joint press meet with the chairman of the committee would have evoked more confidence in the public.

“The decision to implement the recommendations was the KSCA’s. The dates were decided by them. Now, either they haven’t complied with the recommendations or are seeking an extension,” the sources said.

“These are the main points of contention: The timeline committed by KSCA does not evoke satisfaction with the actual work done on the ground, fixing of responsibility and gaps with their communication and actual work done. On a scale of 1-10, the current progress is only 2 or 3. “

When asked, committee chairman Maheshwar Rao said that progress is being monitored.

“The committee is continuously working with the KSCA team to monitor the progress of the work and ensure that the recommendations are implemented well within the stipulated deadline,” he told DH.  

In his response, Santhosh Menon, secretary, KSCA, told DH: “If at all the expert committee has found something lagging, the KSCA assures that the agreed timeline will be adhered to.” 

A view of ongoing maintenance and safety work at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday March 04 2026 which had remained closed following last year’s tragic stampede incident. The venue is being readied to host IPL matches again with five Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) home games scheduled to take place here this season. DH PHOTO/PUSHKAR V

Panel's areas of concern

* Removal of obstructions and the setting up of holding areas * Lack of consensus within the KSCA on using the KSCA B ground as a holding area * Lack of a plan for an emergency exit route * Evacuation drills, details of the medical triage facility, etc