A final call on whether defending Indian Premier League champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to be taken in the coming week.
Speculation around a possible shift away from Bengaluru gathered momentum earlier this month after the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) issued a press release thanking RCB for conducting a recce of the MCA Stadium in Pune. The development fuelled rumours that the franchise could consider playing its home fixtures outside the Garden City.
The uncertainty stems from the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium being under scrutiny following a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL title celebrations on June 4, 2025, in which 11 people lost their lives. Since then, hosting matches at the venue has been made conditional upon the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) implementing the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha report, which was prepared as part of the investigation into the incident.
Recent developments have further highlighted the situation. The Karnataka state government denied permission to stage Vijay Hazare Trophy matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, citing non-compliance with the recommendations. As a result, Virat Kohli played two matches for Delhi behind closed doors at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
In another blow to the iconic venue’s immediate prospects, Karnataka’s upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh, scheduled from January 22, has been shifted to the Alur Grounds.
Amid the speculation, KSCA has sought to downplay reports of RCB moving out of Bengaluru. Vinay Mruthyunjaya, the association’s official spokesperson, told Sportstar on Tuesday that discussions with the franchise were ongoing and that no final decision had been taken.
“We will be able to provide an official statement next week,” Mruthyunjaya said. “With regards to the Ranji Trophy match, Chinnaswamy Stadium was never in the picture because a lot of preparatory work is going on.”
With talks continuing between KSCA and RCB, clarity on the franchise’s home venue is expected soon, a decision that will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders ahead of the new IPL season.
