The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been declared “unsuitable and unsafe” for large-scale public events, following the findings of the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission. The panel was appointed by the Karnataka government to investigate the July 4 stampede that occurred during the victory celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after their maiden IPL title win. The incident claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people.
According to the commission’s report accessed by ESPNCricinfo, the stadium’s design and structure fail to meet the standards required for hosting large gatherings. The report highlights serious shortcomings in safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness, recommending that all major events be shifted to more appropriate venues that follow international safety protocols.
The commission held RCB, event partner DNA Entertainment Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) accountable for their roles in the tragedy. The report also criticized the lack of adequate entry and exit points, poor crowd circulation design, absence of public transport integration, and insufficient emergency evacuation plans at the 1974-built venue.
Key individuals including KSCA officials, RCB’s vice-president, DNA’s top executives, and five senior police officers were named in the report, some of whom have since resigned or been removed from their posts. Upcoming matches at the stadium, including the opening and semifinal games of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, may be relocated. The Maharaja Trophy T20 League will now be held without spectators starting August 11. The state cabinet is expected to discuss the commission’s recommendations in its next meeting.
