Pune, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is currently engaged in talks with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) regarding the possibility of hosting their IPL 2026 home matches, as confirmed by secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal on Wednesday.

RCB's trophy celebrations in Bengaluru turned tragic on June 4 when a stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in 11 fatalities. Since that incident, the stadium has not hosted any cricket matches and missed the chance to host the recently concluded 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, including the final.

With the future of the Bengaluru venue uncertain, Pune has stepped forward, joining a list of potential venues vying to host RCB’s home games in IPL 2026.

“RCB is facing challenges in hosting games in Bengaluru due to the stampede incident. We have learned through reliable sources that they are exploring alternative venues,” said Pisal.

“With no home team in Pune, we have offered our excellent facilities, noting that the Chennai Super Kings played their home games here in 2018. We are prepared to host matches, as our infrastructure is up to par.”

“Pune is ideal in terms of infrastructure and logistics. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully held 15 matches in IPL 2022 when only three venues were available,” Pisal remarked in a conversation with IANS on Wednesday.

Pisal indicated that initial discussions with RCB, who secured their first IPL title earlier this year, have already taken place. Further formal communications are expected after the mini auction in Abu Dhabi scheduled for mid-December.

“We have established staff and adequate experience along with our infrastructure. We had a meeting with their CEO, Praveen Someshwar, and they will finalize everything after the player auction in mid-December,” he explained.

Besides hosting men’s international matches and the Women’s T20 Challenge, the stadium has also served as the home ground for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings during various IPL seasons in the 2010s.

“The stadium located at Gahunje is conveniently situated along the expressway, attracting crowds from Pune, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, which are only an hour and a half away. This accessibility will have a positive economic impact,” Pisal added.

“The nearby Hinjewadi IT Park is well connected to the stadium, making it easy for IT professionals to attend the games. Additionally, numerous quality hotels in the vicinity will benefit significantly if IPL 2026 occurs in Pune. The more matches we host, the greater the advantage for everyone involved,” Pisal concluded.