The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) home since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. But the reigning champions might have to change their home stadium.
Earlier today, it was confirmed that M Chinnaswamy Stadium won’t be a venue for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had selected the ground as one of the venues for the tournament, and the second semifinal was slated to be played there.
But in the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede, which left 11 dead and more than 50 injured, the Karnataka government has labelled the M Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings due to its “design and structure”.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has been forced to host the Maharaja Trophy T20 at the Srikantadatta Narasimha Raja Wadeyar Ground in Mysore due to it. And now they have lost the Women’s ODI World Cup as well.
6 potential venues where RCB can host home matches in IPL 2026
At this moment, it seems unlikely that RCB will be able to play their home matches in the IPL 2026 season in Chinnaswamy. Considered one of the best stadiums in India, finding an apt replacement won’t be easy for RCB. And in no circumstances will they be able to generate the same atmosphere. But there are a few stadiums that can be used by RCB to host their home matches.
Greenfield International Stadium – Thiruvananthapuram
The cricket stadium in Kerala is closest in proximity and has hosted 6 international matches, the last of which came in November 2023. Its capacity of 50,000 is more than that of Chinnaswamy, so we can expect an electric atmosphere.
ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium – Visakhapatnam
The Vizag stadium has hosted international matches as recently as 2024. It’s the second home of Delhi Capitals (DC) as well. In IPL 2025, two matches were played at the venue. RCB can make a deal with the Andhra Cricket Association to host their 7 matches, meaning DC might have to play all matches in Delhi.
HPCA Stadium – Dharamshala
Like Vizag, the HPCA stadium is the home of an IPL franchise. The Punjab Kings played one match in Dharamshala in IPL 2025, while the second one was cancelled. It’s one of the most scenic venues in the world, but it has a capacity of just 21,000.
DY Patil Stadium – Navi Mumbai
The stadium with a 55,000 capacity has hosted the IPL Final in 2008 and 2010. It was the Mumbai Indians‘ home ground for early seasons and also used by the BCCI as one of the venues in 2022. DY Patil Stadium hosted the entire Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023 as well.
MCA Stadium – Pune
The stadium was the IPL home of the Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiant. It also hosted matches during the IPL 2022 season. In the past, the facilities have been questioned a bit, but they can be upgraded by RCB.
Green Park Stadium – Kanpur
The stadium was scrutinised last year as a Test match between India and Bangladesh was delayed due to its poor drainage system. But since it isn’t used by an IPL team, RCB can make it their makeshift home. A 32,000 capacity hits close to Chinnasamy as well.
