Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Host Five IPL Matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Excitement Surrounds RCB's Return to Home Ground
Venkatesh Prasad, the president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), expressed his delight over the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), returning to their home venue, M Chinnaswamy Stadium. He remarked that this event is even more significant than his five-wicket haul against England at Lord's.
RCB Set for Five Home Matches in Bengaluru
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru are gearing up to play five home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the 2026 IPL season. There had been concerns regarding their home games due to a tragic stampede that occurred during last year's victory celebrations after their first IPL win. Additionally, the stadium missed out on hosting matches for the Maharaja Trophy and the ICC Women's World Cup. Bengaluru also did not receive any fixtures for the ongoing T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. This positive news follows extensive efforts and collaboration among various authorities to ensure the games return to their home ground for the fans. The last two home matches of RCB's IPL 2026 season will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, as previously agreed.
Venkatesh Prasad's Enthusiasm
After the announcement, Venkatesh Prasad stated, "The Royal Challengers Bengaluru team has confirmed that they will play this year's IPL 2026 here in Bengaluru. This is a monumental achievement for me, surpassing my five-wicket haul at Lord's, which is a significant milestone for bowlers. It reflects the collective effort of our Managing Committee to accomplish this in under three months."
Gratitude from RCB to State Authorities
RCB expressed heartfelt thanks to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and the Karnataka Police for their steadfast support and cooperation in facilitating the matches in Bengaluru. A statement from RCB highlighted that the collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure and safety measures ahead of the IPL season have made it possible for the defending champions to play most of their home games at their home ground.
RCB CEO on the Importance of M Chinnaswamy Stadium
Rajesh Menon, the CEO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, emphasized, "The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is not just our home ground; it embodies our team's identity. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always motivated our players, inspiring them throughout the game. Our fans have supported us unwaveringly, and they deserve the chance to see their team play at home." He added, "After thorough discussions and completing the necessary permissions, we are thrilled to confirm that RCB will host five matches in Bengaluru. We are grateful to the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their assistance in making this happen."