The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are likely to play their home matches at two new venues in the IPL 2026 season. As per reports, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur are expected to serve as RCB’s home grounds for the upcoming edition. The development comes amid uncertainty surrounding the franchise’s return to Bengaluru following the tragic events after their IPL 2025 title win.
Notably, RCB have played all their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru since the IPL began in 2008. However, the situation changed after the IPL 2025 victory celebrations outside the stadium ended in a tragic stampede. The incident claimed several lives and left many injured, bringing heavy criticism and negative attention to the franchise and the authorities involved. Since then, discussions around shifting RCB’s home venue have been ongoing, with reports suggesting the franchise is unwilling to host matches in Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
According to sources quoted by the Times of India, RCB officials have finalised arrangements to host their home matches across two venues in the next IPL season. As per the reported plan, the team is expected to play five home matches at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and two matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.
A source told TOI that the arrangements were finalised after meetings with the concerned local authorities. The report also states that consultations have already taken place to ensure logistical and operational readiness at both venues.
RCB hasn’t approached KSCA regarding hosting matches
It is worth noting that DY Patil Stadium has previously hosted several IPL matches and international fixtures and is considered a reliable option due to its infrastructure and accessibility. Meanwhile, Raipur has been a strong contender in recent years, having hosted international and IPL games successfully. Reports earlier stated Raipur and Indore as possible new home venues for RCB, with the former now appearing to be in the lead.
So far, the Bengaluru-based franchise has reportedly not approached the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) regarding hosting matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026. The shift is seen as a direct fallout of the 2025 stampede incident.
According to reports, Rajasthan Royals will play their home matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune during IPL 2026. Their decision follows ongoing disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association, which increased during IPL 2025.
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