The Karnataka government has allowed cricket matches, including IPL and international games, to resume at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This permission is temporary and conditional on strict safety compliance. The stadium had been closed after 11 people died in a stampede last year during RCB’s IPL celebrations. An expert committee recommended safety improvements, which the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) must complete on time. The government and a monitoring committee will watch over the progress. KSCA must follow all expert advice and add international-standard safety and security measures. The government can inspect at any time and withdraw permission if conditions are not met. Authorities have not yet approved the number of spectators since safety works are ongoing. A final crowd limit will be set only after the work is done and the expert committee inspects again. KSCA called this a “positive step” towards restoring cricket at the stadium. The new managing committee, led by former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad, promises to work hard on safety. The stadium missed major matches, including the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup final and any games for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to the closure. Last year, the government had denied hosting even Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the stadium due to safety concerns. Cricket star Virat Kohli played behind closed doors elsewhere in the city.