The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has written to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the Rajasthan Royals (RR) decided to shift their Indian Premier League (IPL) home base from the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium in Jaipur. RR had cited RCA’s failure to comply with updated evacuation and safety norms as the reason behind the move.
RCA has reassured BCCI that they are taking all necessary safety measures. The cricket body has assured that they are willing to work with BCCI, RR, and all other stakeholders for the larger good. Currently, the RCA is suspended, with a Rajasthan Government-appointed ad hoc committee running things.
RCA against RR moving away
According to Cricbuzz, RCA had written to BCCI a couple of days after news emerged that RR had approached the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). Earlier today, MCA even confirmed that RR and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shown interest in hosting home games in Pune.
“It has been brought to our attention that the Rajasthan Royals franchise has expressed certain concerns regarding infrastructure at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and has sought consideration of alternative venues. While the importance of safety and infrastructure compliance is fully acknowledged, it is necessary to state that any technical or safety assessment of a government-owned stadium must be undertaken strictly within the established regulatory framework and in coordination with the statutory authorities.
In this regard, the RCA was neither informed of nor associated with the third-party assessment reportedly commissioned by the franchise. The RCA wishes to state unequivocally that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is structurally sound and operationally safe. The stadium has successfully hosted IPL matches for nearly two decades, in addition to numerous domestic and international fixtures,” the letter read.
RCA stated that they successfully hosted the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT). In two Mumbai matches, where Rohit Sharma featured, around 20000 spectators arrived at the SMS Stadium for the games.
“Most recently, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches were conducted at the venue with large spectator attendance and without any safety or security incidents, further reaffirming its readiness to host high-profile events,” the letter further read.
It’s to be noted that BCCI and RR have both had issues with the ad hoc committee. Convener Jaideep Bihani had accused RR of fixing last year after they lost a close game to the Lucknow Super Giants.
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