Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (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 their home games.
RCB’s title-winning celebrations turned into a tragic stampede outside the venue last year. Fans had gathered in large numbers to celebrate the team’s success, but the situation went out of control, leading to 11 deaths and several others being injured. The incident drew heavy criticism and negative attention.
RCB Unlikely to Return to M Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026
According to a report by NDTV, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not planning to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the next IPL season. The franchise is unwilling to host its home matches in Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
The report also stated that RCB have not spoken to the Karnataka State Cricket Association about playing matches at the stadium, which strengthens reports that the franchise is looking away from its traditional home ground.
"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, according to sources," the report read.
RCB Explore New Home Venue as Raipur Emerges as Front-Runner
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking to move their home matches away from Bengaluru, with Raipur emerging as the leading option. Indore is also being considered as an alternative venue for the upcoming IPL season.
The franchise hopes this move will help players and fans move on from the emotional impact of last year’s tragic stampede. Notably, the incident has left a lasting mark on the franchise, making a return to the old venue unlikely in the near future.
Reports claimed that early warnings were missed while RCB’s trophy celebration event was live, and celebrations stopped only after officials became aware of the casualties. The Karnataka government later admitted that proper procedures were not followed.
Matches in the Vijay Hazare Trophy were already being moved away from the stadium. One match in which Virat Kohli was involved was shifted at the last moment.
Rajasthan Royals Also Shift Home Venue Amid Controversies
Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals have decided to move their home matches away from Jaipur and will play out of Pune instead. Ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association have strained the relationship between the two sides.
The situation became more serious when an RCA official accused the franchise of match-fixing. Rajasthan Royals strongly denied the claims and asked for action against the individual, which further widened the rift.
As a result, RR decided to shift base to the MCA Stadium, which has experience hosting international matches and IPL games for multiple teams in the past. IPL franchises are rethinking their home venues due to off-field issues and controversies.
Also read: Absolute madness! Virat Kohli mobbed by fans on arrival in Vadodara ahead of 1st ODI vs New Zealand
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