Have Rajasthan Royals Approached MCA for IPL 2026 Games in Pune?
Synopsis
Rajasthan Royals express interest in hosting IPL 2026 home matches in Pune, joining Royal Challengers Bengaluru in discussions with the Maharashtra Cricket Association. This decision follows disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association and indicates a potential shift in venues for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan Royals are considering Pune for some of their IPL 2026 matches.
Disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association prompted this exploration.
MCA Stadium has hosted several teams in the past.
RCB is also in talks for hosting their matches in Pune.
A final decision from BCCI is awaited.
New Delhi, Nov 23 (NationPress) Following reports that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are in talks with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) regarding hosting their IPL 2026 home games in Pune, secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal has revealed that Rajasthan Royals (RR) have also shown interest in hosting some of their home matches at the MCA Stadium.
“RCB approached us for their IPL 2026 home games, and discussions are ongoing. Now, Rajasthan Royals have come forward to host some of their matches here,” Pisal stated.
Recently, they visited Pune, inspected the stadium, and indicated their intention to hold a portion of their home games there. The final decision now rests with the BCCI regarding which team’s matches will be played in IPL 2026,” he told IANS on Sunday.
RR's choice to relocate some of their home fixtures from their main location at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur stems from ongoing disputes with the Rajasthan Cricket Association. As the winners of IPL 2008, RR also has an alternate home ground at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where they will play some matches in the upcoming 2026 season.
Disputes heightened in IPL 2025 when a RCA official made match-fixing allegations against the franchise, which they firmly denied while demanding action against the individual involved.
With two IPL teams vying to host games in Pune, the association is currently deliberating, and a resolution is expected soon.
Another MCA official informed IANS that they are inclined to accept RR's proposal, while RCB has requested additional time from the association until the IPL auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 to finalize their home venue for 2026.
Besides hosting men's international matches in all formats, including the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup and the Women’s T20 Challenge, the MCA Stadium has also been the home ground for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings during various IPL seasons in the 2010s. Additionally, the MCA Stadium in Pune is scheduled to host an AR Rahman concert starting at 5 pm on Sunday.
Point of View
The Rajasthan Royals' move to explore hosting matches in Pune reflects strategic decision-making amid ongoing disputes. Such developments not only impact the franchise but also the cricketing community at large, indicating a dynamic shift in how teams might operate in the future.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Rajasthan Royals looking to move their matches?
Rajasthan Royals are considering moving some of their home matches due to ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association.
What is the role of the Maharashtra Cricket Association?
The Maharashtra Cricket Association is responsible for managing cricket events in the state and is currently in talks with both RCB and RR for hosting IPL 2026 games in Pune.
What other teams have played at MCA Stadium?
The MCA Stadium has previously served as the home ground for teams like Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, and Punjab Kings.
What is the significance of IPL 2026 for the teams?
IPL 2026 is significant as teams are looking to optimize their home advantage and engage their fan base amidst ongoing disputes and venue changes.
How does this affect IPL fans?
Fans may experience changes in venue dynamics, potentially leading to new experiences when attending matches and supporting their teams.
