The thrilling crowd in Bengaluru might not be able to see the current Indian Premier League (IPL) titleholders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), play at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium as they attempt to defend their title in the IPL 2026. The Bengaluru Stadium is still not open for any matches since the dreadful incident of stampede on June 4 that occurred during RCB’s victory parade, resulting in casualties.
Earlier, the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 League 2025 was also taken away from the stadium when the investigation committee declared the ground “unsafe” for large crowds. They were very strict in their ordering of the shifting of major events to the stadiums where the crowd control would be done efficiently. The 2025 edition of the domestic 20-over tournament was held at the Wadeyar Stadium in Mysuru.
Additionally, the venue was also going to host five matches of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, including the final. But the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was mentioned later instead for hosting the same matches because of the same reason.
Pune Could Be the Venue for RCB Home Matches in IPL 2026
The secretary of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is said to have given a confirmation of the development well in advance of the upcoming season of the money-spinning league according to multiple reports. To note, the Royal Challengers had set a distinct record of winning all the away matches in an IPL season in 2025. But the team suffered mixed fortunes at the Chinnaswamy, winning two out of the five matches and one match being called off because of rain.
“This proposal is still being deliberated but it’s not a done deal yet. Their Karnataka issue is the stampede that occurred and they are trying to find a new location…,” said MCA’s secretary Kamlesh Pisal to Times of India.
If the ongoing negotiations are successful in securing a positive approval from all the relevant bodies, the MCA Stadium in Gahunje would become the stage for Rajat Patidar and Co. to play seven matches in IPL 2026.
“There are early talks and a few technical issues are yet to be resolved. If everything goes smoothly, maybe Pune would be the place for the matches,” he said.
After a long wait of 17 years and suffering three IPL Final losses in 2009, 2011, and 2016, the Royal Challengers Bangalore finally tasted victory in 2025. The legendary captain Virat Kohli was the one who drove the team with 657 runs and became the franchise’s top scorer again.
The whole squad, in addition to Kohli, participated at critical moments and played match-defining roles that eventually led to the granting of the franchise’s first title. Before the IPL 2026 retentions, RCB would seek to maintain their core while aiming to bring the same momentum into the next season.
