Ahead of IPL 2026, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are likely to play their home matches away from their iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The venue has been suspended indefinitely following
the tragic stampede during RCB’s victory parade on June 4, 2025, which claimed 11 lives and left dozens injured.
RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win, which ended a 17-year-long wait, was affected by the unfortunate stampede outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium during their victory parade. Thousands of fans had gathered to celebrate the triumph, but poor crowd management led to chaos near the gates, resulting in a deadly crush. Following the incident, the Karnataka government suspended all major events at the venue pending investigation. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) faced widespread criticism for safety lapses, leading to the resignation of important officials.
Subsequently, the stadium was removed from hosting duties for the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. With ongoing restrictions and safety clearances yet to be issued, it now looks increasingly unlikely that the stadium will host any IPL matches in 2026.
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, has now emerged as the leading contender to host RCB’s home fixtures for the upcoming season. According to a Times of India report, RCB is in advanced discussions with the MCA to shift its home base temporarily.
“This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) 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. There are preliminary discussions and 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,” MCA secretary Kamlesh Pai revealed to the publication.
MCA Stadium in Pune has previously hosted several IPL matches
The MCA Stadium in Pune has previously hosted several IPL matches, including games for teams like Rising Pune Supergiant and Punjab Kings, and it provides a strong alternative for hosting RCB’s fixtures. If finalized, this will be the first time in IPL history that RCB will play an entire season without hosting a single match in Bengaluru. The team has played every home game at the Chinnaswamy since 2008, except during the 2009 season in South Africa and the COVID-affected 2020-22 editions.
The iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium has been a home for the franchise, a venue witnessing high-scoring thrillers and the support of the Bengaluru crowd. Despite the setback, the franchise will look to carry forward its winning momentum from IPL 2025. The team will now have to adapt quickly to new conditions in Pune, a venue where they have won six of their nine previous matches.
