RCB’s IPL 2026 home venue in doubt as Chinnaswamy Stadium awaits final clearance

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are still awaiting final approval to host IPL 2026 matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with BCCI setting a new deadline for venue clearance.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Image Credit: RCB)

The home venue of Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season remains uncertain as the franchise is still awaiting final clearance to host matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The development has raised concerns among fans, especially since the tournament opener is scheduled to take place in Bengaluru.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently released the schedule for the initial phase of IPL 2026, confirming that the season will begin on March 28 with defending champions RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru. However, the venue listing in the announcement includes a note that matches scheduled in Bengaluru are subject to final clearance, leaving the status of Chinnaswamy Stadium uncertain.

Reports suggest that the BCCI has set a new deadline for RCB and the local authorities to complete the approval process for hosting matches at the stadium. The uncertainty largely stems from safety and logistical concerns following the tragic crowd crush incident in June 2025, when celebrations after RCB’s maiden IPL title led to overcrowding around the stadium and resulted in multiple fatalities.

IPL to start from March 28

Since then, authorities have been reviewing security protocols and crowd management measures before granting permission for large-scale events. If clearance is granted, Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to host five of RCB’s home matches during the league stage, with the franchise planning to play its remaining home fixtures at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur as a backup arrangement.

IPL 2026, the 19th edition of the tournament, will start on March 28 and will commence upto May 31, featuring 10 teams across multiple venues in India. With Bengaluru set to host some of the most high-profile games, including potentially the opening match and major playoff fixtures, the final decision on Chinnaswamy Stadium’s approval will be crucial for both the franchise and the tournament organizers.

Share