Big changes might be coming for Rajasthan Royals fans! The franchise is seriously looking at Pune as its RR new home ground. Talks have already started with the Maharashtra Cricket Association about this shift. IPL 2026 could see the Royals playing far from Jaipur.
Why Rajasthan Royals Want to Leave Home
Things haven’t been smooth between the Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association lately. The RCA once accused the team of match-fixing in the past. RR completely denied those serious allegations back then. But the relationship never fully recovered after that ugly episode.
The franchise clearly wants a fresh start somewhere else now. They’ve been scouting the MCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune already. Team officials checked everything from pitch conditions to hotel facilities there. Airport connectivity also matters a lot for IPL teams obviously.
If this deal goes through, the Rajasthan Royals will split their home matches. They’ll play at least four games in Pune during IPL 2026. Three more matches will happen in Guwahati as their second venue.
RCB Also Eyes Pune as Backup Option
Here’s where it gets interesting for the MCA folks. Royal Challengers Bengaluru is also knocking on Pune’s door now. RCB faced a terrible tragedy recently at Chinnaswamy Stadium. A stampede incident raised serious safety concerns about their home ground.
“The RCB interest is genuine, but there is no guarantee that they will relocate. Any such move will depend on a host of factors,” an MCA official said.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association now has two IPL teams wanting its stadium. They’re weighing both options carefully before making any final call. It’s quite a nice problem to have honestly.
MCA President Eager to Bring IPL Back
Rohit Pawar leads the Maharashtra Cricket Association as its president. He’s really excited about hosting IPL matches in Pune again. The city last saw IPL action three seasons back.
Pawar is pushing hard to finalize the RR new home ground deal quickly. Pune fans would absolutely love watching IPL cricket return to their city. The BCCI will make the final decision on these venue changes.
Rajasthan Royals want to lock this agreement fast before IPL 2026 starts. Time will tell if Pune becomes their new cricketing home soon.
