IPL 2026: 2,000 cops, seven special squads set up to safeguard Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy stadium

With the first phase implementation of expert committee recommendations largely done, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said that they have left no stone unturned to ensure the safety and security of the fans.

Bengaluru: Seven special squads, nine holding areas and 2,000 police personnel are among the deployments and arrangements for the 2026 season of IPL set to begin on Saturday (March 28) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

With the first phase implementation of expert committee recommendations largely done, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh on Thursday briefed the press and said that this time, they have left no stone unturned to ensure the safety and security of the fans. 

“Mock drills were conducted on March 23 and 26. All responsible departments, including the police, fire and emergency services, civil defence and GBA, took part in the simulations. Improvements have been made, and anything pending will be completed before Saturday,” Singh said. 

Top police officials conduct an inspection at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru

As many as 2,000 personnel, including senior police officers, will be on the spot in and around the stadium and nearest connecting points to ensure law and order. 

Adequate traffic personnel will be deployed to ensure a smooth movement for the general public. The fire department will deploy two big bowsers, four small vehicles and other hand-held equipment for emergency extinguishing, officials said. 

In a first, seven special squads with 15-20 chosen policemen will be deployed around the stadium to strictly enforce the ticketing system, and those without a valid QR-enabled e-ticket won’t be allowed to loiter, especially on Queen’s Road. 

“We ask the public once again: those with valid tickets, please reach the venue in advance, as the gates will be opened four hours before the match starts. To prevent overcrowding, fans are requested to rely on public transportation like the Bengaluru Metro and BMTC. A valid ticket also comes equipped with a complimentary free Metro travel,” Singh said. 

In order to prevent overcrowding, nine designated holding areas have been created inside the stadium: the largest being the 'KSCA B ground' with a capacity of 5,000 people at one go. 

After a preliminary check at the main entrance, the valid ticket holders will be moved to the holding areas. Next, a thorough physical check and frisking will be conducted. If any prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated. Then, attendees will proceed through the turnstile gates and to their respective stands. 

This reporter, who visited the stadium on Thursday, found that final work was underway in many places, and turnstile gates were already in place or were being installed along with other mechanisms like baggage checks and metal detectors.

A separate holding area has been set up for VIPs. Those on the members, F and H upper stands, should ideally use the MG Road Metro station for ease of travel, officials said. 

“We are requesting the fans to ensure they are carrying their QR-enabled tickets, they are at the right gate, and if they are in a group, try and enter together, to ensure an ease of movement,” a senior police officer part of the expert committee told DH.