M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, the spiritual home of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)It has reportedly been indefinitely suspended from hosting major events following a tragic crowd crush on June 4, 2025, which has tarnished RCB’s celebrations of their maiden IPL title win.
IPL 2026: Danger looming over Chinnaswamy Stadium, new major contenders for RCB’s home ground
Eleven people lost their lives and dozens were injured in a stampede outside the stadium during a planned victory parade, The Times of India reported. The state government-backed judicial commission later deemed the iconic venue unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings, citing inadequate infrastructure and serious crowd management failures. As a result, the stadium was stripped of the responsibility of hosting KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy and this ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025Due to which the chances of hosting any IPL match in the upcoming 2026 season are very less.
The report states that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is out of operation due to existing security restrictions and lack of clearances. Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) The stadium in Gahunje, Pune, has emerged as the frontrunner to host RCB’s home matches for the entire IPL 2026 season. RCB, which won its historic IPL 2025 title after a wait of 17 years, is reportedly in advanced discussions with MCA to temporarily shift its base.
MCA Secretary -Kamlesh Pai confirmed preliminary talks, noting that taking into account several logistical and fan-base factors, Pune offers the most viable alternative to Bengaluru.
“This arrangement (Pune will host RCB’s matches) is under discussion, but it is not confirmed yet. They have a problem because of the stampede in Karnataka. So, they are looking for a venue and we have offered them our stadium. There are preliminary discussions and there are some technical things that need to be resolved. If things go well, then probably yes, Pune will host the matches.”
Pai concluded by highlighting the suitability of Pune: “After Bengaluru, the most ideal place for them is Pune. Airport, hotel accommodation logistics, ground capacity, fan base, if you count everything.”
Also read: IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bangalore – This is why the RCB name and brand will remain intact
IPL 2026: RCB faces unprecedented season away from home
If the relocation to the MCA Stadium is finalised, a venue where RCB have had a favorable past record, winning six of their last nine matches, it would be a historic and heart-breaking first for the franchise. The 2026 season will be the first time in IPL history that RCB will play an entire season without hosting a single match in Bengaluru, breaking the unique bond it has shared with its loyal Chinnaswamy crowd since the inaugural 2008 season.
The indefinite suspension is a major blow to the team and its huge fan base, coming so soon after their long-awaited first IPL win on June 3, 2025. This change means the defending champions will have to quickly adapt to the new conditions in Pune, carrying their winning momentum into a completely unfamiliar temporary home environment.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB may retain 5 Indian players before IPL 2026 auction