The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has stepped up to protect Jaipur’s long-standing relationship with the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the midst of all the rumours that the team may move their home base for the 2026 Indian Premier League. The state organisation has formally petitioned the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to keep Sawai Mansingh Stadium as RR’s official home field for the forthcoming campaign.
The RCA, which has been governed by a government-appointed ad hoc committee for the last two years, has administrative problems that have heightened the uncertainty over IPL 2026 locations. The Rajasthan Royals reportedly looked into other locations, such as Pune’s MCA International Stadium, which raised questions in Jaipur. The BCCI hasn’t made a decision yet, though.
The ad hoc committee expressed its desire to address any issues through dialogue and collaboration in a thorough letter sent to the BCCI and IPL officials. Prior to IPL 2026, the RCA gave the board and the team the assurance that Sawai Mansingh Stadium would completely satisfy all infrastructure, safety, and security needs while closely following BCCI guidelines and legal criteria.
Additionally, the association made it clear that it was not involved in or told about any independent evaluation of Jaipur’s venue. It emphasised that rather than being carried out informally, assessments of government-owned stadiums must adhere to established regulatory protocols and involve statutory authorities.
RR and RCB visit Pune’s MCA stadium
The RCA notably cited SMS Stadium’s history of holding domestic, international, and IPL games without experiencing any significant safety concerns. It also mentioned the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy matches in Rajasthan, like as those in Jaipur, which have attracted sizable crowds without any problems.
The Royals’ emotional and historical significance as the city’s home was also discussed by the RCA, which also highlighted the city’s love for the team. In order to guarantee seamless tournament operations, it requested the BCCI to assign RR’s IPL 2026 home games to SMS Stadium. In a separate statement, the RCA stated that although it has not received any official election-related directives, it is nonetheless ready to take action upon request.
Pune has expressed interest in hosting the games in the meantime. The MCA International Stadium in Gahunje was recently visited by representatives of the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru to evaluate the facilities and logistics, according to confirmation from the Maharashtra Cricket Association. RR and RCB were acknowledged by the MCA for coming to the location. The organisation hopes that IPL games will soon be held in the city again.
“We are confident that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for upcoming games of one of these teams in the near future, given BCCI’s support for the Maharashtra Cricket Association. With the help of the BCCI, Pune will soon be able to host Indian Premier League (IPL) games, providing cricket fans in the city with the thrilling IPL spectacle, high-profile matches, and elite players. The Maharashtra Cricket Association anticipates hosting major games, well-known players, and memorable occasions soon,” the statement said.
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