IPL 2026: RCB to Play All Home Matches in Pune After Chinnaswamy Suspension. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play its home matches during the IPL 2026 in Pune, after the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was banned from hosting major sporting events. This follows the stampede that occurred during RCB’s title celebrations earlier that year, claiming 11 lives and leaving others injured.
The Karnataka government’s board and the IPL governing body decided to suspend Chinnaswamy Stadium from any major sporting events until safety upgrades were conducted. The review committee said the suspension was due to “critical lapses in crowd control and exit management.” The KSCA is working on safety measures in hopes of being reinstated in future seasons.
Pune is RCB’s safe place
Reports indicate that the MCA Stadium in Gahunje is considered the front-runner to host RCB’s home games in the 2026 season. Officials of the Maharashtra Cricket Association stated discussions are already in progress, wishing to use any amphitheatre to host RCB’s home games. “They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede that happened. We have offered our stadium,” said MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal.
If this decision is made official, it will be the first time that RCB have not played any home games at Chinnaswamy Stadium since the franchise was formed in 2008. Pune is a world-class venue, but the move takes away the home atmosphere RCB fans have spent years building up in their own city.
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In terms of their adaptability away from their regular ‘home’ venue, it could be difficult for RCB, but the team management is confident they will adjust quickly enough. The announcement by the IPL governing council is expected soon. For now, Pune looks to be the fortress for RCB for the next IPL season.