Will Rajasthan Royals Call Pune Home for IPL 2026? Insights on Venue Shift

Rajasthan Royals Eyeing Pune for IPL 2026 Matches

New Delhi: The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is poised to host several home matches for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL), according to sources close to the situation.

Earlier reports indicated that both RR and the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), were contenders for the Gahunje venue as their home ground for the upcoming IPL season. RR has already conducted a site visit and assessed the surrounding facilities.

Sources suggest that RR is more inclined to secure Pune as their new home ground, which would replace their long-standing base in Jaipur, established since IPL's inception in 2008. "Negotiations between MCA and RR are progressing well, and a deal seems imminent," the sources added.

The decision for RR to relocate some of their home games stems from ongoing disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

Tensions heightened during IPL 2025 when an RCA official made match-fixing allegations against the franchise, which RR firmly denied, demanding action against the accuser.

Currently, the RCA is managed by an ad hoc committee led by Deen Dayal Kumawat, and the lack of stability within the association is believed to influence RR's choice to play in Pune.

The IPL 2008 champions also have another home venue at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. "An official announcement from the BCCI regarding this shift is expected soon," remarked another source monitoring the developments.

The MCA Stadium in Pune has previously hosted international matches across all formats, including the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the Women’s T20 Challenge.

In the IPL, it has served as the home ground for teams like Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings, and Chennai Super Kings at various times throughout the 2010s.