Intro
Government reviews safety, infrastructure compliance before IPL clearance decision
Bengaluru
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Thursday said the State Cabinet will take a final call on permitting Indian Premier League (IPL) matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after reviewing a report submitted by a high-level committee.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with officials and representatives of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the minister said he would brief the Cabinet before a decision is made.
“The KSCA has been directed to comply with the recommendations based on Justice John Michael D’Cunha’s report. Some of those recommendations have already been implemented,” Parameshwara said. He noted that RCB, as defending champions, had sought permission to host the inaugural match in Bengaluru.
A high-level committee comprising senior officials, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) chief and the city police commissioner, was constituted to examine preparedness and compliance. “We have received the report today. Since I was authorised to review it, I will place it before the Cabinet at 6 pm, and a decision will be taken on whether to allow the matches,” he said.
The minister pointed out that certain concerns raised by RCB pertain to infrastructure, including gates, parking areas and designated holding zones for spectators. Other requirements such as deployment of ambulances and medical personnel are not structural issues and can be addressed immediately, he added.
Parameshwara also clarified that responsibility for conducting the event rests with the organisers. “It is RCB and KSCA who are hosting the matches. The responsibility lies with them. The government cannot be held accountable for the conduct of the event,” he said.