RCB to Relocate Home Matches for IPL 2026 Amid Safety Concerns

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will relocate their home matches for the 2026 IPL season, moving away from M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to safety concerns stemming from a tragic incident last year. The team plans to host five matches in Navi Mumbai and two in Raipur. This temporary shift comes as the Karnataka State Cricket Association works to address safety issues highlighted by a committee's report. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals are also changing their home venue due to unresolved electoral disputes. Read on for more details about these significant changes in the IPL landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 14:18 IST

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Home Base Change

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be moving their home ground for the upcoming 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Reports indicate that the team will not be playing at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

This decision comes in the wake of a tragic incident during the team's victory parade last year, which resulted in 11 fatalities and over 50 injuries. Since that event, the stadium has faced increased scrutiny, and top-level cricket has yet to resume there.

As reported by a local news outlet, RCB officials have arranged to host five matches in Navi Mumbai and two in Raipur. This plan was finalized after discussions with local authorities, and an official announcement is anticipated shortly.

The move is temporary, as the Karnataka State Cricket Association is working to restore confidence in the safety protocols of the stadium. Despite discussions with the state government, the venue was not granted permission to host Vijay Hazare Trophy matches last December, leading to those games being relocated to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence.

A committee led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha, formed after the June 4 stampede, issued a concerning report about the stadium, deeming it 'highly unsafe' for large events. This assessment has significantly impacted the return of major cricket to the historic Bengaluru venue.

In a related development, Rajasthan Royals are also set to change their home venue for the next season. Due to ongoing electoral disputes within the Rajasthan Cricket Association, their home games will be moved to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal previously cautioned the RCA that failure to conduct elections could jeopardize the tournament's staging in Jaipur.