DK Shivakumar, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, stated that Indian Premier League (IPL) matches will continue to be played at Bengaluru's Chinnaswamy Stadium.

He stated that all IPL 2026 matches would be held at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Shivakumar made these statements on Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium, following his vote in the KSCA elections.

In response to inquiries about shifting crucial matches, including the IPL, following the tragedy at the RCB celebration, he stated: “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."

Discussing his participation in the KSCA elections, Shivakumar said, “I am a member of the KSCA. When I was young, Nagaraj gave me a membership. His son is my classmate. I know many people from Brijesh Patel, including Anil Kumble and Prasanna. I voted for the ones I wanted."

Shivakumar also stated that they will take care that things like the stampede don’t happen again and that they’ll build a bigger stadium as an alternative.

“I am a cricket fan. We will take care that the 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,” he added.

Among other release features, the opening batter Mayank Agarwal, who was signed as a replacement for the injured India batter Devdutt Padikkal. Swastik Chikara, a promising talent, leaves Bengaluru without playing a game.

(ANI inputs)