After the tragedy of Minnaswamy Stadium, the Karnataka CM approves the stadium project of 80,000 places

Bengaluru could soon be home to one of the largest cricket stadiums in the country. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved a proposal from the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) to build a world-class sports complex in Surya City, Bommasandra, which will include a cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 80,000. Once completed, it will be second only to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

INR 1650 crore-worth stadium in Karnataka

The INR 1,650 crore project will be entirely funded by the KHB and spread over 100 acres. Apart from the cricket ground, the complex will feature facilities for eight indoor and eight outdoor sports, state-of-the-art gyms, training centres, swimming pools, guest houses, hostels, hotels and a convention hall for international events. It could be similar to what the BCCI has built in Bengaluru – the new National Cricket Academy (NCA) – Centre of Excellence.

The move comes in the wake of the tragic stampede outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4 during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives. The Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, which investigated the incident, concluded that the 32,000-capacity stadium, spread over just 17 acres, was not suited for large-scale events. It recommended shifting such matches to more spacious venues with better facilities and parking.

Following the report, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) faced immediate repercussions. The Maharaja Trophy 2025 T20 tournament was shifted to Mysuru after police clearance was denied. This has also put in doubt the hosting of five Women’s World Cup matches later this year and even the 2026 IPL fixtures at the iconic venue.