Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals are facing uncertainty over their home venues ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, prompting the Board of Control for Cricket in India to step in. According to reports, the BCCI has given both franchises a deadline of January 27 to confirm their preferred home grounds for the upcoming edition of the league.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently unable to host matches at their traditional home, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government has prohibited the venue from staging major sporting events following a tragic stampede incident last year. The decision has raised concerns over crowd management and public safety, leading the state authorities to withhold permission for IPL matches at the stadium for the time being. As a result, RCB has been forced to explore alternative venues within or outside the state to host their home games.
Rajasthan Royals are facing a different set of challenges. The franchise has effectively lost the right to host matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur due to administrative issues within the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The RCA failed to conduct elections within the stipulated time frame, despite repeated reminders and warnings from the BCCI. This lapse led the Indian cricket board to withdraw recognition for the association’s administrative control, directly affecting the Royals’ ability to use the Jaipur venue.
In December 2025, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal had publicly stated that Rajasthan Royals would be required to move their home matches away from Jaipur if the administrative situation was not resolved. With no resolution yet in sight, the franchise has been preparing contingency plans. Rajasthan Royals already have experience hosting matches in Guwahati, which has served as a secondary home venue in previous seasons. Sources indicate that Guwahati remains a strong option for the team in IPL 2026.
The BCCI’s deadline is aimed at ensuring that the league schedule, broadcasting arrangements and logistical planning proceed without disruption. Home venues play a critical role in ticket sales, local fan engagement and operational readiness, making early confirmation essential for the league organisers.
Franchise officials from both teams are reportedly in discussions with state associations and local authorities to identify suitable alternatives that meet the BCCI’s infrastructure and security requirements. The Indian cricket board is expected to review the proposed venues before granting final approval.
The situation highlights the importance of administrative stability and safety compliance in hosting major sporting events. With IPL 2026 expected to attract large crowds and global viewership, the BCCI has made it clear that there will be no compromise on governance standards or spectator safety.
An official announcement regarding the confirmed home venues for RCB and Rajasthan Royals is expected once the franchises submit their choices to the BCCI within the stipulated deadline.
