Bengaluru 9 January 2026 -The Bengaluru-based Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is among the top well-known clubs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and its star player Virat Kohli are not likely to make a return visit to Bengaluru’s legendary M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for their home matches during the IPL 2026 season, based on numerous reports. The possibility of relocation comes after the tragic stampede that disrupted the celebrations following RCB’s 2025 championship win, and led to substantial loss of life and injuries.
The incident happened following RCB had won their first IPL championship in 2025, bringing jubilation from the fans in the region. But the celebration of the trophy held on the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru following the final was widely condemned for poor plan and poor crowd management. The crowd erupted into chaos and reports suggest that 11 people died and a number of others injured in the stampede that followed.
One of the main factors that influenced the decision of the franchise appears to be the impact on its reputation and the long-lasting association of the tragic incident with the stadium and city. RCB hasn’t yet started formal talks in conjunction with Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) concerning the possibility of hosting IPL 2026 home games in Chinnaswamy Stadium. Reports from media and cricket sources have pointed to this lack of dialogue as a major indication that RCB is in the process of preparing to play home matches elsewhere.
The Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium is now the leading contender for hosting RCB’s home games during the coming season, while Indore’s Holkar Stadium also under consideration. Discussions within the franchise as well as between league organisers suggest the venues are being assessed by factors like the infrastructure’s readiness, logistical viability and the potential for fan engagement.
The choice to seek alternative venues has been confirmed by recent events that aren’t related with any aspect of the IPL schedule. In December 2025 Virat Kohli’s participation in the local Vijay Hazare Trophy fixture against Andhra Pradesh was abruptly shifted from the Mr Chinnaswamy Stadium at the last minute, in response to current concerns regarding the appropriateness of the venue for events with a high profile following the stampede.
These tragic incidents have attracted attention from both the public and the official authorities. Based on previous tribunal rulings and statements from officials the RCB’s preparation and implementation of its celebration event was not in line with the standard operating guidelines for gatherings of the public, which contributed to the issues encountered when it came to crowd control. Reports from administrative and judicial reviewers have revealed issues with permissions and preparations that led to the celebrations.
The Karnataka government has accepted the responsibility for its mistakes, recognizing that the incident was not in compliance with the mandatory safety guidelines. Officials from the state then declared compensation packages for the families of those who lost their lives and pledged to cover medical expenses for those injured. RCB also offered financial support for the families of the victims.
The possibility of moving the home games of RCB isn’t an isolated example of venue changes within the IPL. In a related change that has occurred, it was announced that the Rajasthan Royals (RR) franchise has relocated its venue to Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune for the 2026 season. The move was prompted by ongoing disputes among RR as well as the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) which included public disagreements and unsubstantiated claims of match fixing that were rejected in the eyes of Rajasthan Royals representatives.
The IPL is set to begin on the 21st of March 2026. This will put an enormous amount of pressure on the franchise as well as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to agree on new arrangements for the games played by the RCB. The venue and the league administrators are currently in talks to finalize the logistics, broadcasting and ticketing for relocation of home matches.
The possibility of a move would mark an important change in the IPL’s organizational landscape. RCB has always played its games at home in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium since the start of the IPL in the year 2008. The stadium, famous for its high-scoring games and enthusiastic fan base, is a key element of the RCB’s identity. The move is the logistics of the change and also an emotional change for fans who have been a part of the stadium for more than two decades.
Officials from the franchise as well as general cricket authorities have been restraining from making public statements that are detailed regarding the relocation plan or the final decision to select an alternative venue. People familiar with the situation suggest that final decisions will be made public after the contractual and regulatory demands are met.
As the preparations for the upcoming IPL season begin, all eyes will be on the way that the franchise will navigate the transition. Beyond coordination for logistical issues, all players, team players, management and local cricket clubs must engage with the fans and other partners to ensure continuity of the support of and success in operations.
