Some great news is coming on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) way. With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaching, renovation work is underway at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) races to make the venue compliant with fresh safety guidelines. The upgrades follow strict instructions from the Karnataka government based on the recommendations of the Justice Michael D’Cunha Committee, which reviewed the stadium’s crowd management systems after last year’s tragic stampede following RCB’s maiden IPL title win in June 2025.
Renovation work at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
As per the Bangalore Mirror, the focus of the current renovation is on widening entry and exit gates, improving internal movement corridors and installing globally accepted emergency evacuation systems. KSCA officials expect the work to be completed by February, just before the IPL season begins in March.
Once the renovations are finished, the stadium will undergo inspection by state authorities before final clearance is issued. So, KSCA has taken the first step but it is just the start. However, even as work progresses, uncertainty continues to hang over RCB’s immediate future at their iconic home ground.
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has already been stripped of hosting duties for the KSCA Maharaja T20 Trophy and the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. ICC didn’t consider the venue for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 as well. In all likelihood, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may be forced to begin their IPL 2026 title defence away from Bengaluru, with Pune emerging as the strongest alternative.
The Maharashtra Cricket Association’s Gahunje Stadium has formally offered to host RCB’s home matches. “This arrangement is under discussion but not confirmed yet. They have a problem in Karnataka because of the stampede, so they are looking for a venue and we have offered our stadium,” MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal told TOI. If finalised, it would mark the first time since 2008 that RCB will not play an IPL season at Chinnaswamy.
RCB record at MCA Stadium, Pune
| Span | Mat | Won | Lost | W/L | Run Rate | HS | LS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012‑2022 | 9 | 6 | 3 | 2.000 | 7.79 | 187 | 115 |
Meanwhile, the stadium’s troubles began after the June 4 stampede that claimed 11 lives and injured over 50 people, leading to a suspension of major events and the resignation of KSCA’s secretary and treasurer. Both the ICC and BCCI subsequently shifted all Women’s World Cup matches away from Bengaluru.
RCB and Rajasthan Royals (RR) officials have also visited the MCA International Stadium recently. The MCA has publicly confirmed interest from both franchises, although reports now suggest RR are more likely to shift permanently to Pune, while RCB may yet return to Bengaluru if Chinnaswamy receives full clearance in time.
