THIS board does not want to give up RCB hosting rights ahead of IPL 2026 matches, name of the board and stadium is….
Uncertainty continues to surround Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home games for IPL 2026, but the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has struck an optimistic note. Despite reports suggesting that RCB could shift a chunk of their home fixtures away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, KSCA officials remain confident that top-level cricket will return to Bengaluru, opening the door for IPL matches as well.
The speculation gained momentum after earlier reports claimed that RCB were planning to stage several home games in Navi Mumbai and Raipur due to ongoing concerns over crowd safety at their traditional home venue.
KSCA confident of International cricket returning to Chinnaswamy
According to a report by RevSportz, KSCA sources have expressed confidence that international matches will soon be cleared for the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. If that happens, IPL fixtures are expected to follow naturally.
“We are confident that we will get international matches. That means IPL can be staged as well. If permission isn’t granted, a contingency plan has been put in place,” a KSCA source was quoted as saying.
While the association hasn’t revealed details of the backup plan, the message is clear, KSCA is preparing for all scenarios but hasn’t given up on hosting IPL 2026 games in Bengaluru.
Reports suggest RCB could shift some home matches
Earlier on Tuesday, a Times of India report claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru may play five of their IPL 2026 matches at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, with two more scheduled to be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.
These reports emerged amid ongoing renovation work at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is being upgraded to meet new safety norms recommended by the Justice Cunha Committee.
Bengaluru Stampede Still Casting a Long Shadow
The uncertainty stems from the tragic stampede that took place in June 2025, shortly after RCB lifted their maiden IPL trophy. The incident resulted in the deaths of 11 people, with several others injured, prompting a comprehensive probe into crowd management and stadium infrastructure.
The Justice Cunha Committee, which investigated the incident, reportedly termed the Chinnaswamy Stadium unfit for hosting large-scale events in its current form, triggering sweeping changes at the venue.
Major renovations underway at Chinnaswamy Stadium
In response to the committee’s findings, extensive renovation work is currently underway at the stadium. These upgrades include widening entry and exit gates, redesigning internal corridors, and installing modern emergency evacuation systems aimed at improving crowd movement and safety.
RCB and KSCA officials believe these changes will address the concerns raised and help restore confidence in the venue’s ability to host high-profile matches.
No cricket at Chinnaswamy since June 2025
It’s worth noting that no competitive matches have been held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium since the tragic incident. The venue was also left out of the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026, further underlining the seriousness of the situation.
For now, Bengaluru’s return to the IPL map hinges on clearances from the authorities. While alternate venues remain on standby, KSCA’s confidence suggests that the city may yet see RCB back at their fortress, where the red-and-gold faithful have always felt most at home.