New Delhi: The probe panel appointed by the Karnataka Government has deemed the iconic Chinnaswamy stadium unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering, it was announced on Friday. The Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission, appointed by the government announced the decision which casts a shadow over some big ticket games, including the Women’s World Cup scheduled at the venue later this year.

The state government decided to constitute the one-man commission after a stampede killed 11 fans and injured numerous others who had just thronged the areas outside the premises to take part in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) maiden IPL title celebration. As per news agency PTI, the commission tabled the report before the state cabinet and it was mentioned that the design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable for mass gathering.

Chinnaswamy to host final of women’s WC

The Chinnaswamy Stadium is scheduled to host the opening game and the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year in September and this observation and its acceptance by the state government could have a wider impact on those matches. The Karnataka cricket association has already decided to host this year’s Maharaja Trophy T20 tournament, slated to take place next month, behind the doors.

Further, the commission noted that the authorities should consider relocating large sporting events to venues that have the capacity to hold large gatherings.

‘Given these systematic limitations the commission strongly recommends that stadium authorities consider relocating events that are expected to attract large crowds to venues that are better suited for such large gatherings,’ the commission stated.

The commission also proposed some remedial measures to avoid such tragic events in future such as ‘adequate entry-exit gates for mass entry and exit (ingress and egress), and emergency evacuation plans compliant with international safety norms.’

(With PTI inputs)