IPL 2026: Pune Emerges as Frontrunner to Host Defending Champions Royal Challengers Bangalore
The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are facing a major logistical challenge ahead of their IPL 2026 title defense, as their traditional home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, remains suspended. The suspension follows an unfortunate stampede incident during the franchise's maiden IPL 2025 victory parade, which saw them defeat the Punjab Kings in the final.
In response to the need for a new venue, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has reportedly offered to host RCB's home matches in Pune. MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that preliminary discussions are underway, aiming to secure the defending champions for the upcoming season. Pune has previously served as a temporary home for IPL franchises, including the Chennai Super Kings in 2018, demonstrating its capability to host major fixtures. This potential shift marks a significant change for the franchise as they prepare for their first-ever title defense away from Bengaluru.
Despite the venue uncertainty and news of the franchise being put up for sale, RCB is reportedly focused on retaining its core players, including IPL legend
Royal Challengers Bangalore Most Runs Career Leaders | Team Rankings
Highest career run scorers (batting specialists only: batters, all-rounders, wicketkeepers) for Royal Challengers Bangalore players
| Rank | Player | Team | most-runs-career |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | RCB | 8661 runs | |
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“This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) is in discussion but it’s not confirmed yet. They have a problem in Karnataka, because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking out for a venue and we have offered them our stadium. There are preliminary discussions and there are a couple of technical things which need to be sorted out. If things fall in place then, probably yes, Pune will host the matches,”
Kamlesh Pisal, Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) secretary
