Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have formally proposed the installation of 300 to 350 AI-enabled cameras at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to bolster crowd management and improve fan safety ahead of the 2026 season.
In a letter to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), the franchise detailed plans to deploy advanced surveillance technology to monitor crowd movement, regulate queue systems, and curb unauthorised access through real-time tracking of entry and exit points. RCB stated that the move would play a crucial role in ensuring safer matchday operations, particularly during high-traffic IPL fixtures and other major events.
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The proposal comes even as reports suggest the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium inPune is in talks with RCB to host their home matches in IPL 2026.The Maharashtra Cricket Board revealed that RCB and Rajasthan Royals had visited the MCA stadium in the last week of December to see if they can host their home games in Pune. The Pune venue has previously staged international fixtures across all formats, including during the 2023 men's ODI World Cup and the Women's T20 Challenge.
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Chinnaswamy Stadium has been under intense scrutiny since atragic stampede on June 4 last yearduring celebrations for RCB's maiden IPL title. The incident claimed 11 lives and triggered widespread criticism of crowd control arrangements. In the aftermath, the stadium was also dropped from the host list for the recently concluded Women's World Cup.
According to RCB, the proposed AI system will offer real-time video analytics to detect incidents such as violence, intrusion and unauthorised access, enabling swift intervention by law enforcement agencies. The technology is also expected to provide actionable insights to support proactive decision-making during matches.
"The advanced surveillance solution will empower the KSCA and police authorities to efficiently manage crowd movement, ensure disciplined queueing and significantly enhance overall fan safety," the franchise said.
RCB have committed to covering the entire one-time cost of the project, estimated at around ?4.5 crore. The franchise has partnered with Staqu, a technology firm that has worked closely with several state police forces across India. Staqu's solutions include facial recognition and intelligent monitoring of crowds, perimeters, vehicles and objects, which have been used in public safety operations.
The system analyses video, audio and text data to aid investigations and support quicker, more accurate decision-making. Its real-time capabilities are designed to flag potential flashpoints before situations escalate.
With uncertainty lingering over Chinnaswamy's future as a regular IPL venue, RCB's initiative appears aimed at reassuring stakeholders of their commitment to fan safety. A final decision from the KSCA is awaited as discussions continue over the stadium's readiness for the upcoming season.
