In the IPL 2026 season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions, would probably play their home games at two new locations. According to rumours, RCB would play their home games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur and the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Following the horrific events following their IPL 2025 title triumph, there is concern about the franchise’s return to Bengaluru.
Notably, since the IPL started in 2008, RCB has played all of its home games at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. But things changed as a terrible rush broke out during the IPL 2025 victory celebrations outside the stadium. Numerous people were killed and numerous others were injured in the incident, which drew harsh criticism and unfavourable attention to the franchise and the relevant authorities. Since then, there have been continuous talks about moving RCB’s home stadium; according to reports, the team is not interested in holding IPL 2026 matches in Bengaluru.
The Times of India reported that RCB authorities have made plans to stage their home games at two different locations for the upcoming IPL season. The team is anticipated to play two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur and five home games at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, according to the reported itinerary.
The arrangements were agreed following consultations with the relevant municipal authorities, a source told TOI. According to the article, discussions have already been held to guarantee both locations’ operational and logistical preparedness.
KSCA has not been contacted by RCB about hosting games.
It is important to remember that DY Patil Stadium is regarded as a dependable choice because of its accessibility and infrastructure, having already hosted a number of IPL games and international matches. Having successfully hosted international and IPL matches in recent years, Raipur has emerged as a formidable contender. Raipur and Indore were previously mentioned as potential new home locations for RCB, with the former currently seeming to be in the lead.
According to reports, the Bengaluru-based team has not yet contacted the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) about holding IPL 2026 matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The change is thought to be a direct result of the stampede occurrence in 2025.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is reportedly where the Rajasthan Royals will host their IPL 2026 games. Their choice comes after their continuous disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association grew more intense during the 2025 Indian Premier League.
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