Karnataka Cabinet to Take Call on IPL Matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium

The fate of IPL fixtures at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium now rests with the Karnataka Cabinet, with Home Minister G Parameshwara confirming on Thursday that a final decision will be taken after a detailed briefing.

Addressing reporters after a review meeting, Parameshwara said he has been authorised to present the findings of a high-level committee to the Cabinet at 6 pm. The committee was formed to examine compliance with recommendations made in the Justice John Michael D'Cunha report and to assess the overall preparedness for hosting large-scale matches.

"The Karnataka State Cricket Association has been asked to implement the recommendations. Some have been complied with," he said.

After the meeting, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad said the association is awaiting the Cabinet's final decision on allowing matches at the stadium, adding that the discussions had been "extremely positive." He thanked Home Minister G Parameshwara for setting up the high-level committee and said several suggestions were made during the review.

Prasad noted that the association has accepted the recommendations and initiated the required measures. "We will have to wait for the Cabinet's decision this evening. The response has been very encouraging. The suggestions given to us have been taken on board and the work is already under way. I sincerely thank the Home Minister for constituting the committee. We are following the recommendations, and a final decision is expected by this evening," he said.

Inaugural Match Request

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, have sought permission to host the inaugural IPL match in the city. The request prompted the government to constitute a panel comprising senior officials, including the city police commissioner and other stakeholders, to evaluate safety and logistical arrangements.

The committee's report was submitted to the government on Thursday.

Issues Flagged

Parameshwara said discussions with RCB representatives brought up infrastructure-related issues such as the adequacy of stadium gates, parking arrangements and designated holding areas for crowds.

Other aspects including medical preparedness, ambulance deployment and availability of doctors are not structural in nature and can be addressed immediately. Organisers have reportedly initiated steps on these fronts.

Responsibility of Organisers

The Home Minister clarified that the responsibility for conducting the event lies with the organisers. "RCB and KSCA are hosting the event. Those conducting it will have to take responsibility. The government cannot be held accountable," he said.

The Cabinet's decision later in the evening will determine whether IPL matches will proceed at the Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.