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M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) The spiritual home of RCB has reportedly been indefinitely suspended from hosting major events following a tragic massacre, which took place on June 4, 2025 and marred the celebrations of RCB’s maiden IPL title win.

IPL 2026: Chinnaswamy Stadium under threat, new major contender for RCB’s home base

times of India According to the report, 11 people lost their lives and dozens were injured in this massacre that took place during the victory parade organized outside the stadium. A state government-backed judicial commission later declared the iconic venue unsuitable and unsafe for mass events, citing disorganized infrastructure and serious people management failures. As a result, the stadium KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy And ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 was denied hosting rights, making it highly unlikely that it could host any IPL matches in the upcoming 2026 season.

The report said that with M. Chinnaswamy Stadium out of action due to security restrictions and lack of clearance, Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium, Gahunje, Pune, has fast emerged as a major contender to host RCB’s home matches. RCB, which won its historic IPL 2025 title after a wait of 17 years, is reportedly in advanced talks with the MCA to temporarily shift its base.

MCA Secretary kamlesh pai confirmed preliminary talks, stating that Pune offers the most viable alternative to Bengaluru, taking into account several logistical and fan-base factors.

“This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB matches) is under discussion but it is not confirmed yet. They have problems in Karnataka, because of the massacre. So, they are looking for a venue and we have offered them our stadium. Preliminary discussions are going on and there are some technical things to be sorted out. If everything falls into place, then probably yes, Pune will host the matches.”

Pai concluded by further highlighting Pune’s suitability: “For them, the most ideal location after Bengaluru is Pune. Airport, hotel accommodation logistics, ground capacity, fan base, if you count everything.”

IPL 2026: RCB to face unprecedented season away from home

If the relocation process is completed at the MCA Stadium, where RCB have a good record in the past, having won six of their last nine matches, it would be a historic and heartbreaking first for the franchise. The 2026 season will be the first time in IPL history that RCB will play an entire season without hosting a single match in Bengaluru, breaking the unique bond they share with their loyal Chinnaswamy fans since the inaugural season in 2008.

The indefinite suspension is a major blow to the team and its huge fan base, coming so soon after their long-awaited first IPL win on June 3, 2025. This change means the defending champions will have to adapt to the new conditions in Pune, carrying their winning momentum into a completely unfamiliar temporary home environment.