RR and RCB eye Pune as alternative home venue for IPL 2026 amid franchise discussions
The venue landscape for IPL 2026 could see a major shift, with both Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) showing interest in hosting their home fixtures at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium (MCA) in Pune. The development comes just days after reports suggested that RCB had opened dialogue with the MCA, and now RR have joined the race for the venue.
MCA secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that discussions are active with both franchises, stating that RR recently visited Pune, carried out inspection rounds, and expressed willingness to stage a portion of their home matches at the venue. The final call now rests with the BCCI, which will decide which team — or if both — will share Pune as a home base in the 2026 season.
RR’s interest stems from ongoing tensions with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), their primary host body at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. The friction escalated during IPL 2025 when a senior RCA official levelled match-fixing allegations against the franchise — accusations RR strongly denied and demanded action over. As a result, the team is exploring alternate venues for logistical stability and operational control.
The Royals already have a secondary home venue in Guwahati, where they hosted matches previously and are expected to continue staging some games in 2026. However, Pune’s infrastructure, accessibility, and history of IPL hosting make it a strong contender in their relocation plans.
Meanwhile, RCB have requested additional time from the MCA before finalising their decision, with clarity expected after the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16. Should both teams formalise their interest, MCA officials will weigh feasibility, scheduling capacity and commercial factors before confirming allocations.
The MCA Stadium has a strong hosting record, having staged men’s international fixtures across formats, including matches during the 2023 ODI World Cup, as well as the Women’s T20 Challenge. In the IPL era, the stadium has previously served as the home venue for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and temporarily for Punjab Kings, making it one of the most experienced reserve venues in the league.
With two franchises positioning themselves for Pune, a final decision is expected soon — adding intrigue to the build-up toward IPL 2026 fixtures and franchise preparations. The stadium is also hosting a major AR Rahman concert this weekend, highlighting its growing profile as a multi-event sporting and cultural destination.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The possibility of two IPL teams shifting home games to Pune signals a significant moment in the league’s geographical dynamics. With franchise relations, venue strategy, and BCCI approvals all in play, IPL 2026 could see a reshaped home-ground structure. Pune’s proven hosting record and strong infrastructure keep it firmly in the spotlight as a potential shared hub for the upcoming season.