Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru may end up playing all their home matches for the 2026 season at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune's Gahunje.
This potential shift is a result of the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru currently being under suspension following a tragic stampede near the venue on June 4 during the team's victory parade. The stadium was later deemed "unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering" by a commission appointed by the Karnataka Government.
The possibility of Pune becoming RCB’s temporary new home base was confirmed by MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal. Speaking to the Times of India, Pisal stated, “This arrangement is in discussion but it’s not confirmed yet. 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.”
Pisal added that while preliminary discussions are underway, "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."
If the move is finalized, it will mark a first for the RCB franchise in the 18-year history of the IPL, as they have consistently played their home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, fostering a unique bond with their Bengaluru fans.
The franchise, led by Virat Kohli, ended its 17-year trophy drought by beating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final. While the shift is a major disappointment for supporters, safety concerns following the tragic events of the stampede, which occurred the day after the final, seem to have taken precedence.
Meanwhile, the process for the upcoming season continues with the league's governing council working to finalize the details for the IPL 2026 auction. The auction will be held in Abu Dhabi on December 14–17. It will be a mini-auction this time, and the 10 franchises have until November 15 to finalise their player retentions.
