Defending IPL champions RCB may play all their home matches for the 2026 season at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune’s Gahunje. This possible change comes because the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is currently suspended.
Pune become RCB temporary home ground
A tragic stampede near the venue on June 4, during the team’s victory parade, led to this situation. A commission appointed by the Karnataka Government later declared the stadium “unsuitable and unsafe for mass gathering.”
MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that Pune could serve as RCB’s temporary new home. In an interview with the Times of India, Pisal said, “This arrangement is in discussion, but it’s not confirmed yet. They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking for a venue and we have offered them our stadium.”
Will Pune host IPL Home Matches?
Pisal mentioned that preliminary discussions are underway and said, “There are a couple of technical things that need to be sorted out. If things fall in place, then probably yes, Pune will host the matches.”
If the move is finalized, it will be a first for the RCB franchise in its 18-year IPL history, as they have always played their home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, creating a strong connection with their Bengaluru fans. The franchise, led by Virat Kohli, ended its 17-year trophy drought by defeating Punjab Kings in the 2025 final. While this move disappoints supporters, safety concerns following the stampede seem to take priority.
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