RCB to be without M Chinnaswamy Stadium as Pune offers to host IPL 2026 matches

In all likelihood, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to begin their title defence away from their iconic home ground, as the team may have to play all its IPL 2026 home matches in Pune. The development follows the ongoing suspension of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium after the tragic stampede during RCB’s victory parade on June 4.

MCA Stadium in Pune offers to host RCB

The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje has emerged as the leading option to host RCB’s home games. Speaking to Times of India, MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that discussions are underway. “This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) is in discussion but not confirmed yet. They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking for a venue and we have offered our stadium,” Pisal said. He added that a few technical aspects still need to be sorted out before final approval.

If finalised, this would mark the first time since 2008 that RCB will not play an IPL season at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. The franchise has played every home game there for 17 seasons, turning the small, batting-friendly ground into one of the league’s most electrifying venues.

RCB record at MCA Stadium, Pune

No clarity on M Chinnaswamy Stadium

The problems surrounding the Chinnaswamy Stadium have been building for months. After the June 4 stampede, which claimed 11 lives and injured more than 50, the Karnataka government suspended all major events at the venue. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) faced widespread criticism for poor crowd management, eventually leading to the resignation of its secretary and treasurer.

Earlier, both the ICC and BCCI had shifted all Women’s World Cup matches from the stadium to Mumbai, signalling that the venue was unlikely to host any major cricket in the near future. While KSCA elections later this year may bring new leadership, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad is among those pledging to restore the venue’s operations, official approvals are yet to move forward.