Pune is rapidly emerging as a strong contender to host multiple home fixtures in IPL 2026, with yet another franchise showing interest in shifting games there. After reports surfaced that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were in talks with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) to use the MCA Stadium for their home matches next season, Rajasthan Royals (RR) have now stepped forward with a similar proposal.
MCA secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal confirmed the development, saying, “RCB had also approached us for hosting their IPL 2026 home games, and the discussions are still ongoing with them. Now, the Rajasthan Royals have approached us for hosting their home games in IPL 2026.” He further stated that RR inspected the venue during a recent visit and added, “They had come to Pune recently, inspected the stadium, done the recce around it and have also shown willingness to host a part of their home matches here. Now it is left with the BCCI to confirm the venue and which team’s matches it will host in IPL 2026.”
Why RR Is Exploring Options Outside Jaipur
Rajasthan Royals’ interest in shifting some matches away from Jaipur stems from long-standing friction with the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium remains their primary base, but operational disagreements with the RCA have pushed the franchise to consider alternate grounds. RR already have an approved secondary venue in Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium, where a few games are scheduled for the 2026 season.
The tension between RR and the RCA intensified during IPL 2025 when an RCA official accused the franchise of involvement in match-fixing—an allegation RR strongly refuted and demanded strict disciplinary action against the accuser. Against this backdrop, Pune has emerged as an attractive, neutral, and well-equipped option. With both RCB and RR eyeing the same venue, MCA officials are evaluating how best to accommodate the requests while awaiting final confirmation from the BCCI.
MCA’s Decision-Making And Pune’s Growing Profile
An MCA representative indicated that the association is currently more inclined toward RR’s proposal, even though RCB has asked for additional time until the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 before making a final call on their home venue for 2026. Pune’s MCA Stadium has a strong track record of hosting major cricketing events, having held men’s internationals across formats, matches during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and games in the Women’s T20 Challenge.
Historically, it has also served as the temporary home for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings during various IPL seasons in the 2010s. Its versatility is highlighted by the fact that, besides cricket, it is set to host an AR Rahman concert as well. As discussions progress, a formal announcement regarding which team secures Pune as a home base is expected shortly.
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