Bad news for RCB fans: No IPL 2026 Matches in Bengaluru Chinnaswamy

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Bad news for RCB fans: No IPL 2026 Matches in Bengaluru Chinnaswamy : M. Chinnaswamy Stadium suspended indefinitely after stampede, Pune could become Royal Challengers Bangalore's new 'home ground'

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has suffered a major setback! The defending IPL champions may have to play away from their home ground, Bengaluru's iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, in the IPL 2026 season. The stadium has been suspended indefinitely following a tragic stampede that occurred during the victory parade of RCB's historic title win on June 4, 2025.

Chinnaswamy Stadium suspended after victory parade stampede

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RCB's celebrations of their 17-year-long IPL 2025 victory were marred by the unfortunate incident. Thousands of fans gathered outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate the team's victory.

• Incident: Poor crowd management led to chaos near the gates and a deadly stampede.
• Results: The tragic incident claimed the lives of 11 people and injured dozens more.
• Government action: Following the incident, the Karnataka government suspended all major events at the stadium until an investigation was completed. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) also faced widespread criticism for security lapses, leading to the resignation of several key officials.
• Status: Due to this suspension, it is now almost certain that the Chinnaswamy Stadium will not host any matches in IPL 2026.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Auction: Will Mumbai Indians release Rohit Sharma?

MCA Stadium in Pune faces crisis over hosting RCB home matches

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Following the suspension of the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royal Challengers Bangalore team has had to find an alternative venue for its home matches. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Gahunje, Pune, is leading the race.

Why could Pune become RCB's new home ground?

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According to a Times of India report, the RCB team is in intense discussions with the MCA to temporarily shift its home ground.

MCA Secretary's Statement: MCA Secretary Kamlesh Pai commented on the matter, saying, "This arrangement (hosting RCB matches in Pune) is under discussion, but has not yet been confirmed. They are facing problems due to the stampede in Karnataka. Therefore, they are looking for a venue, and we have offered them our stadium."

He also stated that preliminary discussions are underway, but some technical aspects need to be resolved. If all goes well, Pune will host the matches.

The MCA Stadium in Pune has previously hosted IPL matches for teams like the Rising Pune Supergiant and the Punjab Kings, and it presents a strong alternative for RCB's matches.

Also Read: Why is Sanju Samson leaving Rajasthan Royals and joining CSK?

What does this mean for RCB?

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If this relocation is finalized, it will be the first time in IPL history that RCB will not play a single match in Bengaluru throughout the season.

Aspects	Playing at the Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)	Playing at the MCA Stadium (Pune)
Home advantage	Advantage of a strong and dedicated home fan base.	Fan support at the new venue and The atmosphere needs to be recreated.
Fans	Disappointment for Bengaluru's 'Powerhouse' fans.	An opportunity for cricket fans in Pune and Maharashtra to see RCB up close.
History	A strong legacy and identity spanning 17 years.	A new chapter for the franchise, full of uncertainties.

Also Read: Will Sanju Samson Captain CSK after the Mega-Trade?

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