Pune Emerges as Potential New IPL Home Base as Rajasthan Royals and RCB Explore MCA Stadium
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that both the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Rajasthan Royals (RR) recently visited the MCA International Stadium in Pune, exploring the possibility of shifting their home base for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This move is particularly significant for the Rajasthan Royals, who are reportedly looking to move away from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur due to ongoing issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).
The MCA expressed gratitude to both franchises for their interest, highlighting the stadium's readiness to host top-tier cricket. While RCB is expected to continue hosting the majority of its games at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royals' search for a stable alternative venue makes Pune a strong contender. The MCA is confident that with the BCCI's support, the stadium will soon be approved to host high-profile IPL clashes, bringing the electrifying spectacle to cricket fans in the city.
This potential relocation for RR stems from a lack of stability within the RCA, which has been operating under an ad-hoc committee. Securing Pune as a secondary or primary home venue would provide the franchise with much-needed logistical certainty ahead of the new season.
