The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are poised to move away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ahead of the IPL 2026 season.
As per reports, the defending IPL champions
are trying to pinpoint their new abode as they plan to leave the Chinnaswamy for the upcoming season.
Why are RCB moving out of M Chinnaswamy Stadium?
RCB are moving out as the Chinnaswamy has been marked as unsafe to host matches for any tournament. On June 4, 2025, a stampede outside Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium marred Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) IPL victory celebrations, killing 11 fans and injuring over 50 others. And since then, the stadium has remained barren, without any match being played.
The harrowing incident at the Garden City prompted arrests and criminal charges. A magisterial probe was ordered, with the Karnataka government later holding RCB accountable for mismanagement in a July 2025 High Court report. RCB and KSCA pledged financial aid and despite the Karnataka Cricket Association's plea to revamp the stadium, it has been denied so far, which in turn leads to RCB's departure.
Where are RCB heading to for IPL 2026?
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have not held any talks with KSCA for the IPL 2026. Raipur is being named as the frontrunner for hosting RCB matches, while Indore can be another alternative venue. It is likely that the RCB management will play their home matches across those two venues.
Although it may be welcome news for the two stadiums, it's a pensive departure for RCB from their home turf. Chinnaswamy has been their home since the inception of IPL and the sea of Red at the ground has epitomised the fan connection with the team. Hence, for the people of Bengaluru, not getting to witness Virat Kohli and co. will be a bitter pill to swallow.
