Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are unlikely to play their home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the next IPL season. According to reports, the franchise does not want to return to Bengaluru after the recent Stampede-related issues and is finalizing a new venue to host its home games.
Last year, RCB’s title-winning celebrations turned into a tragic stampede outside the venue. Fans had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the team’s success, but the situation went out of control, resulting in the death of 11 people and injuries to many others. The incident attracted heavy criticism and negative attention.
RCB unlikely to return to M Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026
According to a report by NDTV, Royal Challengers Bangalore are not planning to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the next IPL season. The franchise is not willing to host its home matches in Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
The report also states that RCB has not spoken to the Karnataka State Cricket Association about playing matches at the stadium, lending credence to reports that the franchise is looking away from its traditional home ground.
,According to sources, so far RCB has not approached the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to express interest in hosting its IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium,” the report said.
RCB looking for new home venue as Raipur leads the way
Royal Challengers Bangalore are looking to move their home matches away from Bengaluru, with Raipur emerging as the prime option. Indore is also being considered as an alternative venue for the upcoming IPL season.
The franchise hopes the move will help players and fans move on from the emotional impact of last year’s tragic stampede. Notably, this incident has left an indelible mark on the franchise, making a return to its former position unlikely in the near future.
Reports claim that early warnings were ignored when RCB’s trophy celebration event was live, and the celebrations only stopped after officials became aware of the casualties. The Karnataka government later admitted that proper procedures were not followed.
Vijay Hazare Trophy matches were already being moved away from the stadium. A match in which Virat Kohli was involved was shifted at the last moment.
Rajasthan Royals also changed home venue amid controversies
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have decided to shift their home matches away from Jaipur and will play out of Pune instead. The ongoing differences with the Rajasthan Cricket Association have created strain in relations between the two parties.
The situation became more serious when an RCA official accused the franchise of match fixing. Rajasthan Royals strongly denied the claims and demanded action against the man, which further widened the rift.
As a result, RR decided to shift their base to the MCA Stadium, which has the experience of hosting international matches and IPL games for many teams in the past. Off-field issues and controversies have led IPL franchises to rethink their home venues.
Also read: Absolute madness! Virat Kohli was surrounded by fans when he reached Vadodara before the first ODI against New Zealand.
