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Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are unlikely to play their home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in the upcoming IPL season. According to reports, the franchise is not interested in returning to Bengaluru after the recent stampede-related issues and is finalizing a new venue to host its home matches.
RCB’s title 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 spiraled out of control, leading to 11 deaths and several injuries. The incident sparked heavy criticism and negative attention.
RCB unlikely to return to M Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026
According to a report by NDTV, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are not planning to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the upcoming IPL season. The franchise is not willing to host its home matches in Bengaluru for IPL 2026.
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The report also states that RCB has not spoken to the Karnataka State Cricket Association about the possibility of playing matches at the stadium, reinforcing reports that the franchise is looking away from its traditional home ground.
“So far, RCB has not contacted the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to express interest in hosting its IPL matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, according to sources,” the report said.
RCB explores new venue as Raipur emerges as favorite
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are looking to shift their home games away from Bengaluru with Raipur emerging as the main 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 overcome the emotional impact of last year’s tragic stampede. The incident notably 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 not broadcast while RCB’s trophy celebration was happening live, and that the celebrations only stopped after officials became aware of the casualties. The Karnataka government later admitted that proper procedures had not been followed.
The Vijay Hazare Trophy matches were already away from the stadium. A match in which Virat Kohli was involved was postponed at the last moment.
Rajasthan Royals also change venue amid controversies
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals have decided to shift their home matches away from Jaipur and will play in Pune instead. Ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association have strained relations between the two parties.
The situation became more serious when an RCA official accused the franchise of match-fixing. Rajasthan Royals have strongly denied the allegations and sought action against the individual, further widening the divide.
As a result, RR decided to shift their base to the MCA Stadium, which has already hosted international matches and IPL matches for several teams in the past. IPL franchises are rethinking their home venues due to off-field issues and controversies.
