NEW DELHI: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have proposed a major crowd management initiative at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to ensure the venue continues to host IPL matches. In an official communication to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on Friday, the franchise suggested installing 300–350 AI-enabled cameras and offered to bear the full cost of around Rs 4.5 crore.
“RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one-time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately Rs 4.5 crore,” the franchise said in a statement. It added that the system would help authorities “efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety.”Cricket activities at the Chinnaswamy Stadium were halted after a deadly stampede during RCB’s IPL trophy celebrations last year, which claimed 11 lives. A government-appointed task force is set to submit its report after reviewing ongoing safety upgrades. The investigation blamed poor crowd management and held RCB responsible for encouraging large gatherings without proper clearances. Following the tragedy, RCB announced compensation for victims’ families and set up a foundation to engage with fans.The AI system would allow real-time monitoring using video, audio and text data to detect unauthorised access and prevent incidents early. However, if government permissions are not granted, RCB are considering shifting its IPL 2026 home matches to Raipur or Pune. With the IPL tentatively starting on March 26 and the stadium also missing out on T20 World Cup matches due to pending NOCs, time is running out for the Bengaluru venue.
