With the Indian Premier League 2026 planning entering a crucial phase, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) have been asked by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to confirm their respective home venues by January 27. The directive, issued during a recent IPL Governing Council meeting, comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding both franchises’ traditional home grounds.
RCB are keen to continue playing their home matches at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, fresh conditions imposed by the Karnataka state government have complicated matters. As per reports, the franchise has been asked to take responsibility not only for in-stadium operations but also for areas outside the venue, including traffic management on adjoining roads.
Additional stipulations, such as restrictions on DJ usage and the mandatory deployment of a fire brigade unit near the stadium, have also been proposed. RCB officials believe these requirements place civic and administrative obligations on the franchise that extend beyond its operational mandate.
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The issue has become particularly sensitive following a tragic stampede in June last year during a felicitation event celebrating RCB’s maiden IPL title, which resulted in 11 fatalities and multiple injuries. Since that incident, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has not hosted any major matches.
🚨 RR & RCB have to update the BCCI about their home venue by deadline January 27th for IPL 2026 🚨 pic.twitter.com/3cuD6yAiQx
— Vishal Varma (@vishalcricket0) January 21, 2026
An independent inquiry led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha had declared the venue unfit for large gatherings due to serious public safety concerns. Although the Karnataka government has since allowed cricket to resume at the stadium after the Karnataka State Cricket Association submitted a comprehensive safety roadmap, lingering doubts remain.
RCB are expected to hold further talks with the state government and the KSCA before submitting their final decision to the IPL authorities. In parallel, the franchise is evaluating backup options such as Raipur, Pune, and Navi Mumbai.
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Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, are dealing with a different set of challenges. The prolonged administrative deadlock within the Rajasthan Cricket Association, stemming from the absence of elections, has once again put the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur under a cloud. With uncertainty persisting, RR are also exploring alternative venues, including Pune’s MCA Stadium and Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, as contingency plans for IPL 2026.
