Rajasthan Royals have received a significant boost in their efforts to continue hosting Indian Premier League matches in Jaipur after the Rajasthan High Court intervened in the long-running administrative impasse at the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), according to a report by The Times of India. The court’s decision to suspend the RCA’s ad hoc committee and direct fresh elections within three months could remove one of the biggest governance hurdles standing in the way of Jaipur retaining its status as the franchise’s home venue.
The High Court appointed Bhaskar A. Sawant, Additional Chief Secretary of Rajasthan’s Home Department, as the sole administrator to oversee the association until elections are completed. The move is expected to restore a democratically elected state association, something the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has consistently viewed as essential for long-term IPL venue arrangements.
Governance dispute had put Jaipur’s future in doubt
The uncertainty surrounding Jaipur’s IPL future stemmed from the prolonged absence of an elected RCA administration following the departure of former President Vaibhav Gehlot. With the association operating under an ad hoc committee for more than two years, the governance vacuum complicated relations between the state association, Rajasthan Royals and the BCCI.
The situation escalated further after the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) sealed the RCA’s offices and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in early 2024, citing the expiry of agreements between the two bodies and outstanding dues of approximately ₹8 crore (approx. US$842K).
As a result, Rajasthan Royals were forced to work directly with the RSSC to stage IPL matches in Jaipur during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, an arrangement permitted by the BCCI as a temporary solution despite its preference for franchises to coordinate through recognised state cricket associations.
Court ruling aligns with BCCI’s requirements
The High Court’s order provides the RCA with a clear pathway to restoring an elected leadership structure, bringing it closer to meeting one of the BCCI’s primary conditions for continuing to host IPL fixtures in Jaipur.
A democratically elected association would also be better placed to resolve outstanding issues with the RSSC, including stadium access and operational agreements, while re-establishing formal working relationships with both the BCCI and Rajasthan Royals.
The ruling has therefore strengthened hopes that Jaipur will remain the franchise’s long-term base ahead of the 2027 IPL season.
Stadium challenges remain
Although the governance issue appears to be moving towards a resolution, questions remain over the readiness of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
A BCCI source told PTI: “Sadly, SMS stadium is way behind other IPL venues in terms of modern amenities and overall fan experience.”
The venue’s infrastructure will continue to be an important consideration alongside the administrative reforms, with the BCCI expected to assess whether the stadium satisfies the league’s venue standards before making long-term hosting decisions.
Guwahati, where Rajasthan Royals have regularly staged one or two home matches through an arrangement with the Assam Cricket Association, remains an alternative venue if required. However, the High Court’s intervention has significantly improved Jaipur’s prospects of remaining the franchise’s primary home, with the completion of RCA elections now expected to be the next major milestone.
