Rajasthan Royals (RR) are considering moving out of Jaipur for the IPL 2026 season due to the ongoing issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The franchise is exploring alternative locations and has identified Pune as a strong candidate for its new base, but the final decision is up to the BCCI.
The idea of the franchise moving away from Jaipur comes due to tensions with the Cricket Association last season. An RCA official publicly accused the franchise of match-fixing. The royals rejected the allegation and demanded action be taken against the man, and the incident remains a major point of controversy.
Rajasthan Royals is in talks with Maharashtra Cricket Association
According to Cricbuzz, Rajasthan Royals are in talks with Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) to use the Gahunje Stadium near Pune for the upcoming IPL season.
A delegation of franchisees recently visited Pune to inspect the venue, assess hotel availability, review transport accessibility and evaluate the overall logistics feasibility.
If the discussions progress smoothly, Pune is likely to host around four of Rajasthan’s home matches, while the remaining matches are expected to be held in Guwahati.
However, the situation may get complicated as Royal Challengers Bangalore are also considering Pune as an alternative home ground after the Chinnaswamy Stadium was declared unfit to host matches. Talks are going on with MCA, but no final decision has been taken yet.
RR assesses Gahunje Stadium as MCA confirms detailed site inspection
The site, located next to the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, is being seriously evaluated as part of RR’s relocation discussions. An MCA representative confirmed that RR officials recently inspected the stadium, inquiring about pitch characteristics, seating capacity and hotel availability.
The Gahunje ground has not hosted an IPL match since 2022, when it served as one of the limited venues during the COVID-adjusted season.
“Yes, they came here to know the capacity of the stadium, the nature of the pitches and details about the hotels in the city. Our president, Mr. Rohit Pawar, is very keen that the IPL returns to the city. He is making every possible effort,” an MCA official told Cricbuzz.
With Chinnaswamy unavailable, Royal Challengers Bangalore looked for alternative venues.
Royal Challengers Bangalore is also looking for an alternative venue. RCB are unable to use the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the June 4 stampede, forcing their management to look for other options. However, the Maharashtra Cricket Association has not committed to any franchise.
RCB’s relocation depends on several administrative and logistical factors. Karnataka state authorities may also revise their stance on the Chinnaswamy Stadium closer to the IPL, further complicating the decision.
Meanwhile, RR has already sent a formal request and are ready to confirm an arrangement immediately. MCA officials describe this situation as a “bird in the hand” dilemma. The association remains cautious as it evaluates both options.
“RCB’s interest is genuine, but there is no guarantee that they will move. Any such move will depend on a number of factors. It is a ‘two in one bird in hand’ situation for us,” the MCA official said.
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