The race to secure Pune as a home venue for the IPL 2026 season has taken a new turn. Just days after reports emerged that RCB were in talks with the MCA, secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal has now confirmed that RR have also shown interest in hosting some of their home games at the MCA Stadium.
RR Inspects MCA Stadium, Awaits BCCI's Call
Pisal confirmed the development to IANS in a statement.
He said:
“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 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.”
RR's move comes amidst their ongoing problems with the RCA. Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur has been RR's traditional home venue, but tensions escalated last season when an RCA official accused the franchise of match-fixing, a claim RR strongly denied. The dispute will see RR also play some matches at their second home ground in Guwahati in 2026.
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MCA Yet to Make Final Decision
The MCA are now considering the options from both RCB and RR. Another MCA official has reportedly told IANS that they are leaning towards RR’s proposal. RCB, on the other hand, have asked for more time and are expected to take a final call after the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16.
The MCA Stadium has an impressive record for hosting major cricket events. It has hosted international matches across formats, matches of the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup, and the Women’s T20 Challenge. In the earlier seasons of the IPL, Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings have also used the venue. The stadium also hosted an AR Rahman concert on Sunday evening.
