Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has proposed installing 300–350 AI-enabled cameras in and around the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to improve crowd management and safety, amid uncertainty over the venue hosting IPL matches. The ₹4.5 crore project, fully funded by RCB, has been submitted to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
The proposal follows the June 2025 stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people, prompting authorities to halt large events at the stadium. An inquiry panel had flagged design and location issues at the 1974-built venue in Bengaluru’s crowded central area.
The AI system aims to monitor crowd movement, entry and exit points, and perimeter zones in real time, while assisting police coordination during high-attendance matches. RCB hopes the measures will help restore IPL games at the stadium from the 2026 season.
With approvals still pending, RCB’s home matches could be shifted to other cities, which would make it the first IPL season without Bengaluru games since 2008.
