RCB spends ₹4.5 crore on AI surveillance after stampede horror to reclaim control of Chinnaswamy

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have shared an update on safety plans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. The Bengaluru-based franchise revealed it plans to use advanced AI-based video analytics to improve crowd management at the venue.

After RCB won the IPL 2025 season, celebrations in Bengaluru turned chaotic when a stampede occurred outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident raised safety concerns and led to questions about whether the Royal Challengers Bengaluru would play their IPL 2026 home matches at the venue.

The situation also affected the stadium’s status, as it lost the chance to host some matches during the 2025 Women’s World Cup.

RCB Propose AI-Based Crowd Management Measures at Chinnaswamy Stadium

Royal Challengers Bengaluru shared an update on social media about new safety steps planned at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise said it wants to use advanced AI-based video analytics to improve crowd management at the venue.

Bengaluru also confirmed that it has formally written to the Karnataka State Cricket Association, proposing the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras inside the stadium.

“𝗥𝗖𝗕 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗦: Advanced AI video analytics technology for 𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 at the 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘸𝘢𝘮𝘺 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮,” the statement read.

“In a formal communication to the KSCA, RCB has proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.”

Bengaluru Commit to Bearing Full ₹4.5 Crore Cost of AI Surveillance Initiative

The franchise said that the proposed surveillance system will help manage crowds more effectively. The technology will track entry and exit points in real time, control movement, prevent unauthorised access, and improve queue discipline to boost fan safety.

The Bengaluru-based franchise also confirmed that it will cover the full one-time cost of the project, which is estimated at around ₹4.5 crore.

“This advanced surveillance technology will empower the KSCA and law enforcement agencies to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing, monitor unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entries and exits, and significantly enhance overall fan safety,” the statement added.

“RCB has further committed to bearing the entire one time cost of this initiative, estimated at approximately ₹4.5 crore.”

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Likely to Play IPL 2026 Home Matches at Neutral Venues

According to reports, Royal Challengers Bengaluru may not play their home matches in Bengaluru during the IPL 2026 season. However, the franchise has not made an official announcement.

The team could host home games at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai or the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur. The Karnataka government reportedly barred the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium from hosting competitive matches.

Notably, the venue has not staged IPL games since, and even domestic matches were moved elsewhere. If confirmed, this will be the first time RCB play their home matches at neutral venues.

Bengaluru has long been known for its strong home atmosphere, especially during games against Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.

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