RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025 (PC-x.com)
As per developing updates, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has fallen behind the timeline committed by the board to the state government over the work of implementation to be done at the Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026).
With the upcoming season set to begin in late March, the KSCA were to make implementation at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in three phases - short term, medium term and long term, after 11 people were killed in a stampede in Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory parade last year.
KSCA is behind the timeline: Report
However, according to a report by Deccan Herald, the state board is behind on implementing the recommendations made by the Karnataka government, as per an expert committee set up by the state government.
"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 source told Deccan Herald.
The report further stated that March 5 and March 10 were decided as the dates for the implementation of the first phase, but the KSCA is way behind on the timeline. It is understood that the first phase includes 'emergency exit route and evacuation drills, details of the medical triage facility, et al'.
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Five home games and 2 knockouts for Chinnaswamy?
Earlier in the week, a report by India Today stated that the Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five home matches for RCB, and two knockouts, in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, the remaining two home matches for the franchise are to be played in Raipur.
Notably, the home venue is not the only concern for the RCB, as the franchise is up for sale, with the Glazer family as the front-runners to be the new owners.
However, with the KSCA falling behind on the timeline, the state government might not give the stadium a green light for the IPL 2026.
Moreover, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hasn't made the schedule for the IPL 2026 public yet. It is reported that the first game of the season will be hosted by the reigning champions, RCB. With the latest development, things might get tricky for the RCB franchise and the KSCA.
While speaking on the matter, KSCA's secretary, Santhosh Menon, told the media outlet, "If at all the expert committee has found something lagging, the KSCA assures that the agreed timeline will be adhered to."
If the state board doesn't complete the work in time, Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium might get the hosting rights for RCB's first two games.
RCB broke jinx of 18 years
Last year, after 17 unsuccessful attempts in the IPL, the Royal Challengers won their maiden title with Rajat Patidar leading the team to a historic win over Punjab Kings in the finale, which broke the internet after RCB's loyal Virat Kohli cried.
Although the franchise had played two finals before eventually winning the IPL 2025, Rajat Patidar led the RCB brilliantly, with the team losing no way games.
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