Royal Challengers Bengaluru's return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026 remains uncertain, despite the Karnataka government granting initial approval
for matches to be staged at the venue.
While the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has secured formal permission, discussions between the franchise, state authorities and cricket administrators are still ongoing. Operational clearance, not just administrative approval, appears to be the key hurdle.
RCB in limbo with government clearance
A senior KSCA official confirmed that government approval has been obtained but indicated that several works are still in progress.
"You have to speak to RCB. The KSCA has got the government permission to host the IPL matches. However, all the works to be undertaken and completed are under progress and will be completed as per schedule. "
The distinction is significant. While the state has given the green light in principle, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are understood to be seeking unconditional operational clearance before confirming the stadium as their home base for IPL 2026.
The caution stems in part from heightened scrutiny around safety and compliance standards across IPL venues.
Infrastructure upgrades underway
The KSCA recently outlined the scope of redevelopment work at Chinnaswamy, which includes safety enhancements and structural modifications.
"At present, extensive infrastructure and safety enhancement works are underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in line with the recommendations of the Expert Committee and other statutory authorities. Several spectator gates and access points are currently being dismantled and widened, along with other critical improvement works,"
The upgrades are expected to be completed by the end of the month. However, until compliance is fully certified, the venue's status for IPL 2026 remains provisional.
Raipur explored as backup
In parallel, RCB have explored contingency options. The franchise has conducted visits to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, positioning Raipur as a potential alternative should Bengaluru not receive final clearance in time.
A shift away from Chinnaswamy would represent a major logistical and commercial adjustment. Bengaluru has long been one of the IPL's most commercially valuable markets, with a deeply embedded fan base and established matchday ecosystem.
Broader scheduling challenges
The uncertainty in Bengaluru adds another layer to an already delayed IPL 2026 schedule. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the full fixture list, with Assembly election timelines in multiple states affecting planning.
Bengaluru is not the only city navigating compliance concerns. The Rajasthan Royals have reportedly sought formal indemnity from the Rajasthan government to host matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, signalling a broader shift in how franchises are managing liability and safety risk.
For now, the answer to whether RCB will play at Chinnaswamy in IPL 2026 is not definitive. Government approval is in place, infrastructure upgrades are nearing completion, and discussions are ongoing. But until final operational clearance is secured, Bengaluru's status as an IPL 2026 host venue remains subject to confirmation.
