RCB Set to Lose Chinnaswamy as Home Venue After Stampede Tragedy: Report

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, face the prospect of playing their 2026 home matches away from the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium following its indefinite suspension after a tragic stampede during the team's victory celebrations in June 2025. The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, has emerged as the frontrunner to serve as RCB's temporary venue, with ongoing discussions between the franchise and MCA officials. MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal confirmed to the Times of India that preliminary talks are underway, driven by safety concerns at Chinnaswamy, where a Karnataka government-appointed commission declared the ground "unsuitable and unsafe for mass gatherings" after the incident claimed 11 lives, including a minor, and injured dozens more. The shift marks a historic first for RCB, which has called Chinnaswamy home since the IPL's inception in 2008, except for brief stints abroad.

The stampede unfolded on June 4, 2025, amid euphoric celebrations of RCB's maiden IPL title win over Punjab Kings on June 3, ending a 17-year trophy drought for the franchise synonymous with Virat Kohli's legacy. Thousands of fans surged toward the stadium gates after a planned open-bus parade from Vidhana Soudha was cancelled due to security risks and heavy traffic, leading to chaos exacerbated by poor crowd management involving RCB, event organisers, and Bengaluru police. A judicial probe by the Justice John Michael D'Cunha Commission held multiple parties accountable for lapses, prompting the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to overhaul infrastructure, including enhanced entry protocols and perimeter fencing. In the interim, Chinnaswamy was excluded from hosting the Women's ODI World Cup in October 2025 and the Men's T20 World Cup in early 2026, forcing RCB to seek alternatives amid the franchise's ongoing sale process.

Pune's MCA Stadium, with a capacity exceeding 42,000—surpassing Chinnaswamy's 40,000—offers a compelling substitute, boasting modern facilities, superior logistics, and a proven IPL track record from hosting Pune Warriors India (2011-2013) and Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-2017). Pisal highlighted the venue's readiness, stating, "They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking out for a venue, and we have offered them our stadium." Negotiations centre on technical aspects like broadcasting rights, sponsorship alignments, and scheduling conflicts with Maharashtra's own IPL team, Chennai Super Kings' occasional use of the ground. A final decision is anticipated by late December 2025, post the IPL mega-auction, allowing time for contractual alignments and fan outreach.

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The potential relocation has sparked mixed reactions among RCB's passionate Bengaluru fanbase, known for their electric atmosphere and record-breaking attendances, with some expressing disappointment over losing the "fortress" vibe that fuelled Kohli's 8,000-plus IPL runs at the venue. However, others prioritise safety reforms, viewing the move as a necessary pause for upgrades. For RCB, owned by United Spirits and now up for sale in a landmark deal valued at over $1 billion, the change could streamline operations while testing fan loyalty in a new market. Pune, with its vibrant cricket culture and proximity to Mumbai's media hub, positions itself as the "most ideal" alternative, potentially boosting attendance through regional rivalries and star power like Kohli and new acquisitions.

As IPL 2026 approaches, this development underscores broader challenges in Indian cricket's venue management, where high-stakes events demand rigorous safety protocols amid soaring popularity—the 2025 season drew over 500 million viewers. The BCCI's venue committee, led by figures like Jay Shah, will scrutinise the arrangement to ensure parity, while RCB eyes a swift return to Bengaluru post-renovations. For now, the saga adds intrigue to the champions' title defence, blending heartbreak with pragmatic adaptation in the world's richest T20 league.

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