RCB to not play at Chinnaswamy in IPL 2026?:Defending champions visit MCA International Stadium in Pune ahead of tournament

Indian Premier League defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) visited the MCA International Stadium in Pune before IPL 2026. This comes amidst rising speculations that RCB would probably not play their IPL matches at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The Chinnaswamy has not hosted any major cricket match since tragedy struck Bengaluru during RCB’s IPL title win celebrations. A deadly stampede led to 11 deaths and several injuries last year as the Rajat Patidar-led team was conducting a victory parade after winning the IPL. Also read: Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer return; end of Mohammed Shami’s career?:5 talking points from India’s ODI squad for series against New Zealand Maharashtra Cricket Association issues statement The Maharashtra Cricket Association issued an official statement where they thanked RCB and Rajasthan Royals for their visit to the MCA International Stadium in Pune. It said that the visit is a ‘significant step in showcasing MCA International Stadium, Pune as a premier destination for top-tier cricketing events.’ The MCA also stated that they are ‘sure’ that the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) will approve the MCA International Stadium in Pune as a ‘venue for upcoming fixtures’ for either RCB or RR in IPL 2026. Also read: Bangladesh to not travel to India for T20 World Cup:BCB takes strong action after Mustafizur Rahman’s IPL release Women’s World Cup, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches moved out of Chinnaswamy Earlier, five matches in the Women’s World Cup, which were scheduled to be held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, were moved out after the venue did not get approvals following the stampede tragedy. The Karnataka state government had also denied permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches, after which Delhi’s matches (which featured Virat Kohli) were shifted to the BCCI’s CoE (Centre of Excellence). Chinnaswamy cleared to host IPL 2026 matches Earlier, the Chinnaswamy Stadium was allowed to host IPL 2026 matches after the KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) received conditional approval. “I’m a cricket lover. We will ensure that the accident in Karnataka does not happen again and hold cricket events at Chinnswamy Stadium in a manner that upholds the honour of Bengaluru,” Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar had said.