RCB will not play matches in M Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026
RCB: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025, ending an 18-year wait. They defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a thrilling final held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, 2025. RCB will not play matches in M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may not play their matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore for IPL 2026, or potentially even sooner.
This uncertainty stems from a recent report by the Justice John Michael Cunha Commission, appointed by the Karnataka government to investigate the tragic stampede that occurred on July 4, 2025, during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations. The stampede resulted in 11 deaths and over 50 injuries.
Here’s why Chinnaswamy’s future as RCB’s home ground is in serious doubt:
Unsuitable and Unsafe: The commission’s report has declared the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsuitable and unsafe” for large-scale events. It states that the stadium’s design and structure are not fit for hosting such large gatherings and that continuing to do so would pose “unacceptable risks to public safety, urban mobility, and emergency preparedness.”
The report highlighted that the stadium, built in 1974, lacks several modern safety requirements, including:
Proper queuing and crowd control areas.
Enough entry and exit gates for mass ingress and egress.
Easy access to public transport.
Emergency evacuation plans that meet global standards.
Adequate parking and drop-off areas.
The commission has squarely blamed RCB, its event partners DNA Entertainment, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for their roles in the poorly planned event. Legal action against these entities has been recommended.
The Karnataka government has accepted the commission’s findings and is expected to discuss the recommendations. This has already led to the KSCA deciding that its upcoming Maharaja Trophy T20 League, starting August 11, will be held behind closed doors (without spectators) at Chinnaswamy.
Furthermore, the report casts doubt over matches scheduled for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricket World Cup in late 2025. The commission has strongly recommended that large-scale events be moved to better-equipped venues that meet international safety standards. The Karnataka Chief Minister has also hinted at considering relocating the stadium to a safer location.
While no official decision has been made regarding RCB’s home ground for IPL 2026, the findings of this commission report make it highly improbable that matches will continue to be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in its current state.
The BCCI and RCB will be in a difficult position to find an alternative venue in Karnataka, as there isn’t another international-standard stadium in the state. This situation will likely lead to significant discussions and planning for RCB’s future home matches.
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