IPL 2026: MCA Stadium Pune Named Rajasthan Royals New Home Ground

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IPL 2026: MCA Stadium Pune Named Rajasthan Royals New Home Ground: A major news story is making headlines in cricket circles ahead of the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Due to growing differences between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), reports suggest that the Rajasthan Royals may play their home matches at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune instead of Jaipur.

Why is Jaipur no longer Rajasthan Royals' home ground?

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Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been the Rajasthan Royals' fortress for years, but this time the situation is different.

• Safety Standards and Regulations: According to reports, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium currently fails to meet the necessary safety and evacuation regulations, raising questions about its suitability for hosting matches.
• Administrative Crisis in RCA: The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) is currently grappling with internal disputes. Despite a court order, administrators have not yet been appointed, leaving major decisions related to stadium management and IPL events in limbo.

RCB was also in the race for Pune

Interestingly, it wasn't just Rajasthan, but Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) also considered shifting to Pune. Following a stampede during RCB's victory parade at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore (which claimed 11 lives), the stadium has been under scrutiny regarding its safety. However, Rajasthan Royals now appear to be leading the race.

Also Read: Indian Cricket Team Schedule 2026: Full List of All Series, Venues, and Dates

MCA Stadium Pune: A Historic Venue

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The MCA Stadium in Pune is not new to the IPL.

• Beginning: The first IPL match here was played on April 8, 2012, between Pune Warriors India and Punjab Kings.
• Former Teams: This ground has been the permanent home ground for Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiants (2016-17).
• Maharashtra's Cricket Hub: After Wankhede, Brabourne, and DY Patil, this is the fourth ground in Maharashtra to host the IPL.

IPL Records at MCA Stadium, Pune

The Pune pitch and its past records have always been exciting for the players. Let's take a look at the statistics:

Also Read: MIE vs ADKR Qualifier 2 Pitch Report, Sharjah Cricket Stadium stats, records