The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have agreed to play 4 of their 7 home games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium in Jaipur. The venue has served as RR’s home since the beginning of the league in 2008. But over the last couple of years, the franchise has chosen the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati as its second home base.
The reason behind requesting a change of venue was RR’s issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), which is suspended, and the ad hoc committee appointed by the Rajasthan government.
RR had raised concerns over the facility with regard to fan safety in a recent independent audit conducted by Tata Projects. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sided with RR, especially in the aftermath of the Bengaluru stampede. However, the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) didn’t agree with the claims made, stating that just minor repair works were needed.
Rajasthan Royals to stay in Jaipur for IPL 2026
To ensure RR and IPL don’t skip town, the Rajasthan government took things into its hands. RR chairperson Ranjit Barthakur recently met with Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The meeting was fruitful, with RR agreeing to play 4 home matches in Jaipur.
While this is one fewer than last year, considering RR wanted the state government to sign an indemnity waiver and didn’t wish to play at the venue at all, in some ways, it’s a win for the government.
“Royals chairperson met the CM. The decision has been taken to host four matches in Jaipur and three in Guwahati,” sources told the Times of India.
The RSSC has already initiated repair and upgrade work at the SMS Stadium to bring it up to the required standards for hosting matches.
Cricket
Rajasthan Royals agree to play IPL 2026 home matches in Jaipur after meeting with Rajasthan CM
