RCB home ground uncertain as IPL 2026 nears: Chinnaswamy vs Raipur

Despite government clearance and KSCA’s preparations, RCB is yet to confirm whether it will play its IPL Season 18 home matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium or shift base to Raipur.

As the countdown begins for IPL Season 18, preparations are in full swing across all franchises. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have also started their training sessions. However, one major question still remains unanswered,where will RCB play its home matches this season?

The uncertainty surrounding RCB’s home ground continues, with no official confirmation yet on whether matches will return to Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium or shift to Raipur in Chhattisgarh. This confusion has kept fans and officials alike on edge.

Last season ended RCB’s long 18-year wait for an IPL trophy, but the celebrations were tragically cut short by a stampede near Chinnaswamy Stadium, which claimed lives and cast a shadow over the historic win. Since that incident, no matches have been held at the venue. The tragedy also placed the stadium under intense scrutiny, delaying approvals for hosting large-scale events.

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After months of effort, a committee led by KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad secured conditional permission from the Karnataka government to resume matches at Chinnaswamy. On February 12, a key meeting was held involving Home Minister G Parameshwara, KSCA officials, and RCB management, during which detailed guidelines and safety conditions were outlined.

While KSCA welcomed the decision and immediately began preparations, RCB expressed reservations about the conditional approval. The franchise has reportedly requested permission without operational restrictions, similar to previous seasons. Following the meeting, RCB has maintained silence on its final call.

Meanwhile, KSCA has accelerated stadium readiness work, implementing recommendations from the Cunha Committee and expert advisory panels. Infrastructure upgrades and safety improvements are being targeted for completion by the end of this month to ensure compliance.

Parallelly, RCB has explored Raipur as a possible alternative home venue. The franchise’s COO Rajesh Menon recently met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister, after which the state government officially announced that two IPL matches would be hosted in Raipur. Sources now suggest discussions are underway to stage all of RCB’s home games there this season.

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The BCCI was expected to release the IPL schedule in early February, but elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have delayed the announcement. Once polling dates are finalized, the schedule will be released. Before that, RCB must confirm its home venue to the BCCI.

At present, KSCA stands ready with government approval and operational preparations, awaiting RCB’s final decision. Only a mutual agreement between KSCA and RCB will bring IPL matches back to Chinnaswamy. Otherwise, RCB is likely to adopt a new home base this season.