Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 IPL champions, could be forced to play all their home matches in Pune for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The development comes after Bengaluru’s iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was declared unsafe following a tragic stampede that occurred during RCB’s victory parade in June 2025.
The stampede, which claimed 11 lives, shook the cricketing community and led authorities to launch a detailed safety review of the stadium premises. Since then, no major cricket match has been held at the venue, and the stadium has not yet received clearance from safety officials.
Chinnaswamy Stadium Declared Unsafe, RCB Looks for Alternatives
According to reports from Times of India, RCB is in advanced talks to shift its home base to Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium. The MCA Secretary, Kamlesh Pisal, confirmed that discussions are underway but no final decision has been made yet.
“This arrangement is still being discussed. They are facing logistical challenges in Karnataka due to the stampede incident. We have offered our stadium, and some technical details are being worked out. If everything goes smoothly, RCB home matches might be hosted in Pune,” Pisal said.
If confirmed, this will mark the first time RCB will play all its home games outside Bengaluru. The only previous instances of the franchise playing away from home were during the 2009 IPL in South Africa and the COVID-affected 2020–2021 seasons.
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Chinnaswamy Misses Out on T20 World Cup 2026 Too
Adding to Bengaluru woes, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has also been excluded from the list of venues for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The decision further hints that the stadium might remain unavailable for high-capacity events until all safety measures and infrastructure upgrades are completed.
The safety report submitted after the 2025 incident cited crowd mismanagement, inadequate emergency exits, and limited evacuation space as major concerns. Until these issues are resolved, RCB may not be allowed to host games in Bengaluru.
The potential move has sparked mixed reactions among RCB fans. While some expressed disappointment over not being able to watch their team at home, others supported the decision, citing the importance of fan safety. The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, located around 860 kilometers from Bengaluru, is expected to serve as RCB temporary home until further notice.
As IPL 2026 approaches, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and local authorities are expected to make an official announcement soon. Whether it’s a temporary shift or a long-term change, RCB move to Pune will mark the beginning of a new chapter in their journey as defending champions.
