The Karnataka State Cricket Association has received official permission from the Government of Karnataka to host matches of the Indian Premier League at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, bringing clarity over the venue status for the upcoming season. The venue will host the opening match of the season - between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad - on March 28.

KSCA secretary Santosh Menon confirmed the development to Cricbuzz, adding that the Expert Committee, which was satisfied with the infrastructural changes at the venue following an inspection and a mock demonstration on March 13, conveyed the same to the Karnataka government which in turn gave the green signal to the KSCA to hold IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the KSCA stated in a media release.

"Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru," added the release.

The clearance follows discussions between the state authorities, the KSCA and RCB regarding the conduct of high-attendance sporting events at the stadium, particularly in light of security and crowd-management considerations in the wake of the stampede that happened during RCB's trophy celebration in June last year.

KSCA stated in a release, "The entire KSCA team, under the leadership of Venkatesh Prasad, has worked closely with the Home Minister, the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, Expert Committee, Expert Sub-committee, other Ministers, senior State Government officials and all statutory authorities to ensure full compliance with the recommendations of the Expert Committee. This coordinated effort has played a significant role in bringing cricket back to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as committed to KSCA members and cricket fans.