Chinnaswamy Stadium’s suspension forces RCB to look elsewhere
Royal Challengers Bengaluru could be forced to move out of their iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the 2026 Indian Premier League season, with the venue still under suspension following a fatal stampede earlier this year. According to a report by Times of India, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune has emerged as the frontrunner to host RCB’s home fixtures next season.
The tragic incident during RCB’s victory parade in June left 11 people dead and several others injured, prompting an official inquiry into crowd safety and stadium infrastructure. In its findings, the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission stated in a report submitted to the Karnataka cabinet, as quoted by news agency PTI, “The design and structure of the stadium was unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering.” The report led to the stadium being deemed unfit for major events, with it also losing hosting rights for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and next year’s Men’s T20 World Cup.
Pune offers to host RCB’s home games
With the Chinnaswamy unavailable, the MCA in Pune has stepped forward to offer its Gahunje Stadium as a temporary home venue for RCB. MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that discussions are underway between the association and the franchise.
“This arrangement is in discussion but it’s not confirmed yet,” Pisal told Times of India. “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.”
While the talks remain preliminary, the MCA appears confident that an agreement could be reached soon. “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,” Pisal added.
Decision likely after the IPL 2026 player auction
The timeline for a final decision remains open, with both sides expected to revisit discussions after the IPL player auction in December. In an interview with Indian Express, Pisal revealed that the two parties are still ironing out details with RCB’s management team.
“We are in discussions (with RCB), but they have not confirmed yet. They are looking into other venues, and we have been in discussions with them. But they will only be able to confirm after the (player) auction. A couple of technical things need to be sorted out. We are in discussion with (vice-president and head of RCB) Rajesh Menon,” Pisal said.
Pisal also highlighted why Pune could be the most logical choice for RCB’s temporary relocation. “The most ideal location for them (RCB), after Bengaluru, is Pune. Airport, hotel accommodation logistics, capacity of the ground, fan base, if you count everything.”
A potential new home for Bengaluru’s champions
If confirmed, the move would mark the first time in more than a decade that Pune hosts an IPL franchise, having previously served as home for the Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiant. The MCA Stadium’s capacity of over 42,000 also exceeds that of the Chinnaswamy, offering an opportunity to welcome more fans while ensuring modern safety and logistical standards.
For now, RCB fans in Bengaluru face an anxious wait as the franchise prepares for the new season amid uncertainty over its home base. The final decision on whether Virat Kohli and his team will defend their title away from home is expected to follow soon after the player auction.
