Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to play at least two of their home fixtures in Raipur during IPL 2026, according to sources familiar with the developments. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur has reportedly been allotted two matches, with the possibility of hosting more games depending on final approvals and logistical decisions by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
This major shift in venue planning comes in the wake of a tragic incident in Bengaluru that has forced cricket authorities to reassess safety protocols and stadium permissions ahead of the next IPL season.
Raipur Emerges as a Key Backup Venue for RCB
Sources indicate that Raipur has emerged as a strong alternative home base for RCB in IPL 2026. While the franchise traditionally plays its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, uncertainty around security clearances and government approvals has prompted officials to look at other venues.
Apart from Raipur, cities such as Mumbai and Indore are also being considered as potential hosts for RCB matches. There is still an effort underway to stage up to five matches in Bengaluru, provided the Chinnaswamy Stadium receives the necessary No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the authorities.
If the stadium fails to secure clearance, Raipur could be awarded an additional three matches, taking its total to five. The remaining two home fixtures could then be shifted to Indore.
In a standard IPL season, each team plays 14 league matches—seven at home and seven away. Venue allocation for these home games is now under close scrutiny, especially for franchises facing infrastructure or safety concerns.
Earlier Reports and KSCA Silence
Earlier media reports had suggested that RCB might host five matches in Navi Mumbai and two in Raipur. Those reports also claimed that the franchise had not yet approached the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) regarding hosting matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Fresh information suggests that RCB still has not formally contacted the KSCA about using the Bengaluru venue for IPL 2026. This silence has only strengthened speculation that a significant portion of RCB’s home schedule may be played outside Karnataka next season.
Bengaluru Tragedy Changed Everything
The uncertainty surrounding Bengaluru as a host city stems from a devastating incident on June 4, following RCB’s IPL 2025 title win. During the victory celebrations at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, poor crowd management and inadequate security arrangements led to a deadly stampede.
At least 11 people lost their lives, and several others were injured in the chaos. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the cricketing community and sparked widespread criticism of the event’s planning and execution.
In response, the Karnataka government adopted a much stricter stance on hosting large-scale events at the stadium. This hardline approach had immediate consequences, forcing the BCCI to move several domestic fixtures—including matches from the Vijay Hazare Trophy and certain Women’s World Cup games—out of Bengaluru.
Given this backdrop, it has become increasingly difficult for RCB to secure permissions for IPL 2026 matches at their traditional home ground.
BCCI Focuses on Safety and Crowd Control
The BCCI is understood to be prioritizing safety, crowd control, and infrastructure readiness as it finalizes venues for IPL 2026. Officials are keen to avoid any repeat of the Bengaluru tragedy, especially during a tournament that draws massive crowds and global attention.
Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, which has previously hosted international and IPL matches, is seen as a reliable option with manageable crowd dynamics. Indore’s Holkar Stadium is also considered capable of hosting high-profile fixtures if required.
Rajasthan Royals May Shift Home Games to Pune
RCB are not the only franchise facing venue-related challenges ahead of IPL 2026. Reports suggest that Rajasthan Royals (RR) may also move their home matches away from Jaipur, despite the city being their designated base.
The Royals’ home ground, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, has reportedly been flagged as unsafe following a private structural survey commissioned by the franchise. The survey is said to have highlighted serious concerns about the stadium’s condition, recommending extensive renovation work.
To avoid the risk of any untoward incident, Rajasthan Royals are exploring the option of hosting their home matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The decision is driven purely by safety considerations, with the franchise keen to protect players, fans, and officials.
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What Exactly Went Wrong in Bengaluru?
After winning the IPL 2025 title, RCB organized a trophy celebration event at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the event quickly spiraled out of control due to overcrowding, lack of proper entry-exit management, and insufficient security personnel.
The resulting stampede led to the deaths of 11 fans and left many others injured. The incident triggered public outrage and placed both the RCB management and the Karnataka government under intense scrutiny.
Multiple inquiries were launched to investigate lapses in planning and crowd control. The aftermath has fundamentally changed how authorities view large gatherings at the stadium, directly impacting RCB’s IPL 2026 hosting prospects.
IPL 2026 Set for Major Venue Reshuffle
With multiple franchises facing infrastructure and safety challenges, IPL 2026 could see a significant reshuffle in traditional home venues. While fans may miss watching their favorite teams at familiar grounds, the BCCI’s emphasis on safety and preparedness is likely to take precedence.
Final decisions on venues are expected once state governments, local administrations, and cricket associations complete their inspections and provide clearances. Until then, cities like Raipur, Indore, and Pune remain firmly in the spotlight.
As IPL 2026 approaches, one thing is clear: the tournament’s organizers are determined to ensure that cricketing celebrations never again turn into tragedy.
