Pune, Nov 12 (NationPress) The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is currently engaging in negotiations with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to potentially host their IPL 2026 home games for the upcoming season, as confirmed by secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal on Wednesday.

RCB's victory celebrations in Bengaluru took a somber turn on June 4, when a stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium resulted in 11 casualties ahead of the festivities. Since that tragic event, the stadium has not been used for any cricket matches and was unable to host the recently concluded 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, including the final match.

Given the ongoing uncertainty regarding the venue in Bengaluru, Pune has stepped forward as a potential host among other undisclosed locations for RCB’s home games in IPL 2026.

"It’s quite straightforward; RCB is facing difficulties in hosting matches in Bengaluru due to the stampede incident. We have learned through credible sources that they are on the lookout for an alternate venue.

"As Pune currently lacks a home team, we have extended our offer, showcasing our top-notch facilities. Previously, the Chennai Super Kings held their home games here in 2018, and we are prepared to accommodate them with our state-of-the-art infrastructure.

"We’re capable of delivering exceptional cricket events here, and from an infrastructure and logistics standpoint, Pune is a prime location. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully hosted 15 matches in IPL 2022, when only three venues were available for the league stage," Pisal told IANS in an exclusive interview on Wednesday.

Pisal mentioned that initial discussions with RCB, who clinched their first IPL title earlier this year, have taken place, with more formal discussions planned after the mini auction scheduled for mid-December in Abu Dhabi.

“We possess the necessary staff, experience, and infrastructure. We have already held one meeting with their CEO, Praveen Someshwar. The decision will depend on the player auction happening in mid-December, after which we expect formal communication from RCB,” he added.

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

"The stadium at Gahunje is strategically positioned on the expressway, attracting crowds from various regions, including Pune city, Mumbai, and Navi Mumbai, which are just an hour and a half away. This has a significant economic impact.

“Moreover, the nearby Hinjewadi IT Park is well-connected, drawing a substantial IT crowd to attend the matches. With numerous quality hotels in the vicinity, hosting IPL 2026 in Pune would yield considerable benefits. The more matches we secure, the greater the advantage for everyone involved,” Pisal concluded.