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MCA proposes Pune as RCB's IPL 2026 home venue amid doubts over Chinnaswamy: Report

Sakshi Sharma

RCB fans after win in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)RCB fans after win in IPL 2025 (Source: AFP)

In a significant development, the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, may not play their home matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the 2026 season. The decision follows the suspension of the venue after the tragic stampede that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations on June 4, which claimed 11 lives and left several injured.

RCB’s long-awaited IPL triumph was marred by the horrific incident outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the win, but a lack of crowd control and confusion over entry led to chaos near the gates, resulting in a deadly stampede.

Following the tragedy, the Karnataka government investigated the incident. The commission later deemed the Chinnaswamy Stadium 'unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings'. 

Pune likely to become RCB’s temporary home

According to a report by The Times of India, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, is being proposed as RCB’s second home ground for the IPL 2026 season.

“This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) is in discussion but not confirmed yet,” said MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal. "They have a problem in Karnataka, because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking out for a venue and we have offered them our stadium. There are preliminary discussions and there are a couple of technical things which need to be sorted out. If things fall in place then, probably yes, Pune will host the matches,” Pisal added.

If confirmed, this shift would mean RCB will have to play their home games away from their loyal Bengaluru fan base for the first time in years. It would not be wrong to say that for RCB supporters, who have stood by the franchise for so many years before the team finally lifted the trophy in 2025, the news is heartbreaking.