With the IPL calendar edging closer, Rajasthan Royals’ home plans remain caught in uncertainty. The franchise has formally sought an indemnity waiver from the Rajasthan government to host matches in Jaipur, according to a report by PTI, after serious concerns were flagged over the preparedness of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The lack of clarity around the venue has had wider ramifications. The BCCI has not been able to circulate the final IPL schedule to franchises as the situation around Jaipur continues to evolve.
Audit flags safety and compliance gaps at SMS Stadium
At the heart of the issue lies a comprehensive 700-page audit conducted by Tata Projects on behalf of the franchise. The assessment, which spanned two months, reportedly highlighted significant shortcomings in fan safety, structural integrity and statutory compliance at the stadium.
The audit evaluated the venue against updated national regulatory frameworks, including the National Building Code, National Electric Code, Fire Code and the Safety Code for Sports Grounds. Its findings pointed to severe deficiencies across multiple parameters, concluding that the stadium did not meet minimum safety standards.
In response, the Rajasthan State Sports Council commissioned its own committee, including officials from the Public Works Department, to carry out a separate ten-day review. That assessment reportedly dismissed most of the concerns raised in the audit, stating that apart from minor repair work, the stadium was fit to host IPL fixtures.
Despite the RSSC’s position, the BCCI has maintained reservations about the venue’s infrastructure and match-day experience.
BCCI stance on fan experience and safety standards
A BCCI source told PTI, “Unfortunately SMS stadium significantly lags behind other IPL venues on modern facilities and overall fan experience,” underscoring the board’s dissatisfaction with the current state of the venue.
The same source added that “safety and security protocols, fan experience and overall comfort of people, family coming to watch matches at SMS stadium, are paramount to IPL and are non-negotiable.” The emphasis, particularly in the aftermath of last year’s deadly stampede at another IPL venue, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has sharpened the league’s focus on crowd management and infrastructure preparedness.
It is in this context that Rajasthan Royals have sought an indemnity letter from the state authorities, aiming to safeguard themselves against potential liabilities if matches proceed in Jaipur.
Governance complications and prior exemptions
The situation is further complicated by administrative flux within the state association, which is currently being run by an ad-hoc body. The absence of a fully functional Rajasthan Cricket Association structure has previously required special arrangements.
According to the same BCCI source, the Rajasthan State Sports Council had been cautioned that the board does not encourage direct liaison with state governments or local authorities outside its member association framework. A temporary relaxation was granted in the past due to exceptional circumstances.
“It was a one time dispensation under exceptional circumstances, and it was very clearly communicated. It cannot be set as a precedent and cannot continue,” the source said, making clear that the earlier arrangement cannot be extended indefinitely.
IPL 2026 schedule hinges on Jaipur clarity
While Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium has already received approval to host Royal Challengers Bengaluru fixtures for the upcoming season, Jaipur’s status remains unresolved.
Until a final call is taken on the Sawai Mansingh Stadium’s compliance and the indemnity question is addressed, the BCCI’s ability to lock in the IPL schedule will remain constrained.
