Cricket latest
Bengaluru: Home minister G Parameshwara Sunday reiterated that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium can resume hosting domestic and international cricket matches only if it fulfils safety measures and implements recommendations set out in the Justice John Michael D’Cunha report.
The iconic Test match venue has remained shut to cricket since June 4 last year, after a stampede during Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) IPL victory parade left 11 people dead, raising concerns over crowd management and infrastructure safety.
“Based on the Justice D’Cunha report, we gave Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) a set of safety recommendations which were to be mandatorily implemented,” said Parameshwara.
“These included short-term and long-term safety guidelines. We discussed these issues with the new set of KSCA office-bearers who urged us to consider reopening the stadium. They gave us assurances that short-term recommendations would be implemented.
Based on this, the cabinet extended conditional approval to host matches.” He, however, insisted that approval was not final and would be subject to verification on the ground.
“A final inspection will be conducted to check if short-term measures have indeed been fulfilled. If they are, the stadium will be allowed to host matches,” he said. Asked if the govt would withdraw approval if deficiencies were found during the inspection, Parameshwara suggested such a situation was unlikely, citing written assurances from KSCA. “KSCA had urged us to grant approval since IPL matches begin in March… Moreover, they have assured us in writing that they will implement the guidelines.
We have provided approval in good faith,” he said. He acknowledged that broader “pressures” were also involved in clearing sporting events, especially those with large public interest, admitting it was “difficult” to withhold permission. “It is a responsibility of the govt as well to not disappoint (fans),” he said. He said work at the stadium has already begun, with structural changes underway to address safety concerns highlighted in the report. He said the old gates have been removed, and changes are being incorporated to make the stadium match fit. “We are confident they will implement the guidelines,” he said.