RCB may lose Bengaluru home advantage ahead of IPL Season 19 amid Chinnaswamy uncertainty

Following the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede tragedy and ongoing official disputes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru is actively scouting alternative home venues, with Pune, Raipur and Indore emerging as key options.

The build-up to IPL Season 19 has taken an unexpected turn, with franchise-level tensions rising over home venues. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) now faces the real possibility of playing its home matches outside Bengaluru, triggering concern and disappointment among local cricket fans.

The situation stems from the tragic stampede incident on June 4, 2025, which occurred near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium during RCB’s victory celebrations. The incident claimed 11 lives and left over 50 people injured. Since that day, not a single international match has been held at the iconic stadium, and Bengaluru’s status as an IPL host city has come under serious scrutiny.

Amid allegations linking the franchise to lapses that led to the stampede, RCB has begun exploring alternative home grounds. The ongoing standoff between the Karnataka government and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has only worsened the uncertainty, increasing the chances of IPL matches being shifted out of the city.

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RCB’s primary preference is the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. According to franchise assessments, Pune offers higher seating capacity, around 11,000 more spectators than Chinnaswamy, and better crowd management. The franchise also believes Pune can attract fans from neighbouring states, ensuring strong attendance.

However, RCB’s interest in Pune has triggered a direct face-off with Rajasthan Royals (RR). After disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association during the previous IPL season, RR has decided to move away from Jaipur. RR’s owners have already initiated discussions with the Maharashtra Cricket Association, putting both franchises in competition for the same venue.

RCB Shortlists Raipur and Indore

With Pune no longer a guaranteed option, RCB has expanded its search. The franchise has identified Raipur and Indore as backup venues for Season 19.

Among the two, Raipur has emerged as the strongest alternative. RCB has already held talks with the Chhattisgarh Cricket Association, signalling serious intent. If Pune is ruled out, Raipur is likely to be RCB’s next choice. Indore is also on the shortlist, though it remains a secondary option.

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Despite these developments, RCB continues to express a strong desire to play in Bengaluru, citing its loyal fan base. However, with the stampede case still casting a shadow and safety concerns unresolved, the franchise is exploring legal and administrative pathways to regain hosting rights at Chinnaswamy.

The ultimate decision now rests with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). RCB has submitted a list of preferred home venues, including Chinnaswamy. Given the risks involved, the BCCI is unlikely to approve matches at the Bengaluru stadium and is expected to select one of the remaining three venues.

Which ground will finally host RCB’s IPL Season 19 matches remains the big question, as fans across the country wait for clarity.