Pramesh S Jain
The Karnataka government has granted temporary, conditional permission for hosting cricket matches at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium,including international fixtures,subject to strict compliance with safety norms and continuous monitoring by an expert committee.
Acting on the recommendations of the government-appointed expert committee,authorities have directed that all works and safety measures suggested by the panel must be completed by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) within the stipulated timeframe.
The permission has been issued with clear riders, allowing the government and a high-level monitoring committee to oversee progress at the stadium on an ongoing basis.
Officials have stipulated that,in addition to complying with the expert committee’s recommendations, KSCA must also implement all additional safety and security measures mandated under international standards while hosting matches.
The government has further retained the authority to inspect the stadium at any stage and to revise or withdraw the permission if the compliance or safety arrangements are found to be inadequate or unsatisfactory.
Significantly,as the proposed works are still in progress, the authorities have stated that it is not possible at this stage to specify the permissible number of spectators.
The final decision on spectator capacity will be taken only after the completion of all works and safety measures,followed by a fresh inspection and report by the expert committee.
Approval for crowd capacity will be granted strictly in accordance with the committee’s recommendations.
The order underscores the government’s emphasis on public safety while allowing cricketing activities to continue at one of India’s most iconic venues under close regulatory supervision.
