Home
The Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council has given franchises Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RCB) to inform the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to finalise their choice of cities to play home games for the upcoming season. The deadline has been set for January 27.
Sports Tak has learnt that RCB want to play at the Chinnaswamy Stadium but certain rules from the state government are proving to be a deterrent. The Chinnaswamy Stadium hasn’t hosted a single match since the stampede during RCB’s maiden victory celebrations claimed 11 lives and left umpteen injured.
RCB’s initiatives fall flat
Currently, the road outside Chinnaswamy Stadium stadium has been made RCB’s responsibility. Also, there is no place for DJ as fire brigade needs to be put up there. Earlier this month, RCB had proposed installation of 300-350 AI-enabled cameras to improve crowd management and bolster their safety. A letter with detailed plans about the surveillance technology was sent to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
Sources in the RCB have also said that state government is relieving itself from the liability to safeguard fans’ security outside the stadium. The Bengaluru-based franchise is not happy with government’s lack of interest after the last year’s unfortunate incident. As a result, RCB will talk to the state government along with state association to avoid further delay ahead of the IPL governing council’s deadline.
Why RR may lose Jaipur as venue for home games
Meanwhile, Jaipur may lose IPL matches as there have been no elections in Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCB). Last year, RCA’s ad-hoc committee convenor Jaideep Bihani had alleged match-fixing during the IPL 2025. In response, RR wrote a strong-worded letter to the BCCI. Later, an RR inside revealed that Bihani is trying to create unnecessary controversy as RCA members were not given complimentary tickets to RR’s home games. Since RCA was dissolved, RR dealt with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) for all arrangements.
Alternate home venues for RCB and RR
Earlier this month, RCB's COO held a meeting with Chattisgarh chief minister to host their home matches at Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium, Raipur. The two other venues in consideration at Pune's MCA Stadium and Navi Mumbai's DY Patil Stadium. These two venues already host RCB's Women's Premier League (WPL) matches.
RR had also expressed that they want to play their home games in Pune’s MCA Stadium. The IPL 2008-winners already play a few home games at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
ADVERTISEMENT
