Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have taken a proactive step to strengthen fan safety by proposing installing 300 to 350 AI-enabled surveillance cameras at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The move underlines the franchise’s intent to modernise crowd management systems and prevent a repeat of past tragedies at one of India’s most iconic cricket venues.
In a formal communication addressed to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), RCB outlined a detailed plan to deploy advanced artificial intelligence-based monitoring technology across the stadium. According to the proposal, the cameras would track real-time crowd movement, regulate queue systems, and monitor entry and exit points to curb unauthorised access.
The franchise believes the system will be particularly effective during high-footfall IPL matches, where crowd density and movement often pose serious logistical challenges. RCB emphasised that the AI-powered surveillance network would provide live video analytics to identify red flags, such as overcrowding, intrusions, violent behaviour, and restricted-area breaches.
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These alerts would allow stadium officials and local law enforcement to intervene swiftly before situations escalate, shifting crowd control from a reactive to a preventive approach. The proposal comes at a sensitive time for the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has been under scrutiny since a tragic stampede on June 4 last year during celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL title.
The incident resulted in the loss of 11 lives and sparked widespread criticism of crowd management protocols. In the aftermath, the venue was dropped from the host list of the recently concluded Women’s World Cup, further denting its standing as a premier international venue.
Interestingly, reports have also emerged that RCB are exploring alternative home venues for IPL 2026. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is reportedly in discussions with the franchise, with officials confirming that RCB representatives, along with Rajasthan Royals, inspected the venue in late December. The Pune stadium has a strong hosting record, including matches during the 2023 ODI World Cup and the Women’s T20 Challenge.
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Despite uncertainty about their home base, RCB has committed to fully funding the AI surveillance project at Chinnaswamy, with a one-time cost estimated at ₹4.5 crore. The franchise has partnered with Staqu, a technology firm known for working with Indian state police forces on public safety solutions, including facial recognition and intelligent crowd monitoring.
With this initiative, RCB appear keen to reassure fans, authorities, and stakeholders of their long-term commitment to safety and operational excellence. The KSCA is yet to take a final call, but the proposal could play a decisive role in shaping Chinnaswamy Stadium’s future as an IPL venue.
