Will the Rajasthan Royals play in the upcoming IPL season in a different state? There are signs that a change is imminent, but nothing is certain just yet. Although the final decision will be made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) must first affirm that it is prepared to host the franchise.
The Rajasthan Royals management has started looking at potential new bases, according to Cricbuzz, and they have even reached the MCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune. Officials from RR and the MCA have already had some first conversations.
Recently, a franchise operations team visited Pune to evaluate the stadium, lodging alternatives, airport connectivity, and other logistical features. The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) appears to be having problems, which is why the Royals are pushing to move. Last season, things became more heated when an RCA official accused the team of match-fixing. The Royals vehemently refuted the accusation and demanded that the offending individual face harsh consequences.
RR will play at least four home games in the city if the Gahunje stadium, which is near the Mumbai-Pune Motorway, is approved. The remaining three games are anticipated to be played in Guwahati.
This website was informed by an MCA official that “yes, they were here to find out details about the stadium’s capacity, the nature of the pitches, and hotels in the city.” The official also stated that “our president, Mr. Rohit Pawar, is very keen that the IPL returns to the city.” He is doing everything he can.
For the past three seasons, the MCA Stadium has not hosted an IPL match. With the exception of the playoffs, which were held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad, the IPL was only played in three locations in Mumbai and Pune in 2022, the last time an IPL match was played there.
Current state of the RCB strategy
The Royals’ interest coincides with reports that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) administration has approached them about moving their home games after the devastating stampede on June 4 declared the M Chinnaswamy Stadium off-limits to the team.
It is believed that the MCA is currently considering its options. “The RCB is genuinely interested, but their relocation is not assured. When discussing the scenario with the reigning champions, the MCA official stated, “Any such move will depend on a host of factors.”
The Royals have already written an email requesting clearance, so the MCA must decide whether to accept their proposal or wait to hear from RCB.
The Karnataka State Government, which has so far adamantly refused to grant permission for games to take place at Chinnaswamy Stadium, may change its mind closer to the IPL.
In addition, it is thought that despite the Royals’ willingness to finalise an agreement, the RCB officials requested more time till at least the IPL auction next month. “It’s like ‘a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush’ situation for us,” according to the official.
As stated by the official, the MCA appears to be leaning towards the RR option at this point, but they don’t want to get ahead of themselves. A contact has been made by Cricbuzz to the Rajasthan Royals spokesperson.
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