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RCB's Chinnaswamy Stadium exit stamped; BCCI fails to keep RR in Rajasthan

Akshita Patel

RCB, RR fix their new home grounds for IPL 2026 [Source: @akshanshgupta93, @CricInformer/X.com]RCB, RR fix their new home grounds for IPL 2026 [Source: @akshanshgupta93, @CricInformer/X.com]

The IPL 2026 season is all set for a major venue change for the two franchises that involve defending champions RCB and Rajasthan Royals, both not playing their home matches in their traditional home grounds.

RCB are set to divide their home matches between two cities, whereas RR will play their home games in Pune. 

The changes follow safety concerns, administrative issues, and strained relationships with local cricket bodies.

RCB likely to split home games between Navi Mumbai and Raipur

According to TOI, defending champions RCB are likely to play their IPL 2026 home games at two neutral venues, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur. 

RCB officials have reportedly finalised arrangements and held meetings with local authorities in both cities.

The plan is for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to play five matches in Navi Mumbai and two in Raipur. This comes as a major shift to the team, who had been playing its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium since the launch of the IPL in 2008.

But this switch was also necessary after the tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium following Bengaluru's IPL 2025 title celebrations. 

Several people lost their lives, besides several injuries recorded, resulting in widespread condemnation of the authorities. Since then, discussions about changing the home venue have gained momentum. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru unwilling to return to Chinnaswamy

Earlier, reports suggested that Bengaluru had not approached the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) regarding hosting matches in Bengaluru for IPL 2026. 

The franchise is reportedly unwilling to return to the venue so soon after the incident. The players, as well as the fans of the team, have been left traumatized emotionally and mentally because of the incident.

DY Patil Stadium, on the other hand, is a proven ground for IPL matches, as it has proper facilities as well as easy accessibility, and Raipur has also successfully conducted the IPL and international matches in the past. 

Earlier reports had mentioned Indore as a possible option, but Raipur now appears to be the frontrunner.

Rajasthan Royals will also shift base to Pune

Apart from Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals too will conduct their home matches outside their usual venue when IPL 2026 unfolds.

The franchise is set to host its games at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune.

The move has come against the backdrop of disputes between the Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association. There were reports of increased tensions between the two parties, which had been making it difficult for the team to run efficiently in the state.

The MCA stadium in Pune is an up-to-date stadium with decent facilities. It has already hosted IPL matches when the Rising Pune Super Giants team, captained by MS Dhoni, played their matches there.

That being said, these changes will definitely impact fans, especially in Bengaluru and Rajasthan, who are used to watching their teams play at home. 

However, the franchises appear to be prioritising security, stability, and smooth organisation ahead of IPL 2026.