RCB to host home matches in new ground away from M. Chinnaswamy stadium ahead of IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may not get their home support anymore, as they were used to getting it for the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The ‘Play Bold’ army always gets great support from their loyal fans as the franchise finally lifted their trophy during the 2025 edition of the event under Rajat Patidar’s leadership.

But the reigning champions’ home venue is undergoing suspension following the stampede outside the ground on June 04 during RCB’s victory parade, which claimed 11 lives and left umpteen injured. It may end up pushing the franchise to play all of its home matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) stadium in Gahunje.

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“This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) 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. There are preliminary discussions, and 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.” The MCA secretary expressed to the Times of India.

RCB expected to host home games in Gahunje for IPL 2026

However, the men's and women's sides of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been put up for sale. The owner of the franchise, Diageo, initiated the process, which is anticipated to be completed at the end of March next year.

“USL is initiating a strategic review of the investment in its wholly owned subsidiary, RCSPL. RCSPL's business comprises ownership of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise teams that participate in the men's Indian Premier League (IPL) and Women's Premier League (WPL) cricket tournaments hosted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) annually.” The UK-based company noted.

There is no news on the trade for the Bengaluru side ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. They are likely to be stuck with the same balanced XI and squad, which worked fabulously for them in the previous edition of the tournament.