BCCI has postponed the confirmation of the final schedule of IPL 2026 due to lack of clarity on the home venue of Rajasthan Royals. Rajasthan Royals State Sports Council has rejected most of the safety concerns raised by the Tata Projects audit report.
Rajasthan Royals did not perform well in IPL 2025 when they were quite unsure about handing over their captaincy to Sanju Samson or Ryan Parag. While the captain was left out on several occasions, Riyan Parag stepped in as his full-time replacement.
After Sanju Samson was released ahead of the IPL 2026 mini-auction, Rajasthan Royals need a new face for the upcoming season. Riyan Parag was ready to contend and secured the spot, leaving behind players like veteran Ravindra Jadeja and fellow young Yashasvi Jaiswal.
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BCCI expressed concern over venue preparations of Rajasthan Royals
The venue is yet to be announced before IPL 2026. One of the main reasons is the home venue of Rajasthan Royals’ matches in the upcoming edition of the tournament. The problem came to light when the franchise sought compensation waiver from the state government for hosting matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
A private audit firm had raised concerns, while the BCCI has expressed concern over the preparations at the venue. According to a PTI report The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) had rejected every concern raised in the 700-page audit report submitted by Tata Projects. Sawai Mansingh has been ranked the worst stadium in terms of fan experience.
These measures were adopted when a massive stampede broke out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB had won their first title, and they did not get a good performance from their victory. The report, supported by the RSSC, was reviewed by the PWD department, which conducted a 10-day assessment and concluded that it needed nothing more than minor repair work and claimed that the stadium was ready to host IPL matches.
BCCI reveals Sawai Mansingh Stadium lags behind IPL venues
A BCCI source made a big revelation regarding Sawai Mansingh Stadium. “Unfortunately the SMS Stadium lags far behind other IPL venues in terms of modern facilities and overall fan experience,” he told Hindustan Times.
“Safety and security protocols, fan experience and overall comfort of people, families coming to watch the matches at SMS Stadium, are paramount for the IPL and cannot be compromised on,” the source said.
The BCCI source revealed that the RSSC had warned the board last year that special permission was given to the board in the absence of a functioning RCA. The audit was conducted as per the standards of the central government, which considers the National Building Code, National Electric Code, Fire Code and safety code for sports grounds.
RR approached MCA
After reports revealed serious deficiencies in life safety, statutory compliance and structural integrity highlighting the shortcomings of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the Maharashtra Cricket Association approached them and agreed to host their games.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will also shift its venue out of Bengaluru. Therefore, Rajasthan Royals can also consider hosting their matches at the MCA Stadium; However, Rajasthan State Cricket Association also needs to give the green signal on this issue.
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