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Rajasthan Royals Eye Pune Move for IPL 2026 Home Games Amid RCA Tensions

The Rajasthan Royals are in advanced discussions to make the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune a home venue for the 2026 Indian Premier League. This potential move would mark a significant shift from their traditional base in Jaipur, which has hosted their home games since the IPL's inception in 2008. The decision stems from ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association, including serious allegations exchanged during the 2025 season. The MCA Stadium in Pune is a proven venue with extensive experience hosting international matches and has previously served as a home ground for multiple IPL franchises.

Key Points: Rajasthan Royals May Shift Home Games to Pune for IPL 2026

  • RR likely to adopt Pune as home venue
  • Move replaces Jaipur base since 2008
  • Decision follows RCA disputes and allegations
  • MCA Stadium has rich IPL hosting history
2 min read

Pune's MCA Stadium likely to host Rajasthan Royals home games in IPL 2026

Rajasthan Royals likely to host IPL 2026 home games at Pune's MCA Stadium, replacing Jaipur due to ongoing disputes with RCA. Deal close.

"Things are going very close for both MCA and RR to close the deal. - Sources to IANS"

New Delhi, Jan 2

The Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune is likely to host a few Rajasthan Royals home games in the 2026 Indian Premier League, sources familiar with the matter toldon Friday.

IANS had previously reported in November that RR and defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were in the reckoning to get the venue in Gahunje as their home venue ahead of IPL 2026. RR had even done an inspection of the stadium and an initial recce of the nearby facilities.

Sources have said RR is more likely to get Pune as their home venue, which in turn will replace Jaipur, which has been their base since the inception of IPL in 2008. "Things are going very close for both MCA and RR to close the deal. Many discussions are going on, so this is likely to be a reality," further said sources.

RR's decision to move some of their home matches away from their primary venue at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium arises from ongoing disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

Tensions escalated in IPL 2025 when an RCA official levelled match-fixing allegations against the franchise, something which they categorically denied while calling for strict action against the individual concerned.

As of now, RCA is run by an adhoc committee headed by Deen Dayal Kumawat, and it is understood that not having the house in order will also be a major factor in RR playing its home games in Pune.

RR, the IPL 2008 winners, also have another home ground at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. "It's like a matter of time now for this announcement to come anytime soon from the BCCI," said another source tracking the development to IANS.

The MCA Stadium in Pune has hosted men's international games in all formats, including the 2023 Men's ODI World Cup and the Women's T20 Challenge.

In IPL, it has been the home ground for Pune Warriors India, Rising Pune Supergiant, Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings in various timelines of the 2010s.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Pune is a fantastic venue with great facilities. As a neutral fan from Mumbai, I think it's a smart move. The MCA stadium has hosted some thrilling matches. Looking forward to catching a game there!
A
Aman W
The real issue here is the mismanagement by RCA. Match-fixing allegations are a serious matter and create a toxic environment. The franchise is right to look for stability elsewhere. Clean up your house, RCA!
S
Sarah B
Interesting development! It shows how complex franchise operations are. Having multiple home grounds (Jaipur, Guwahati, now Pune) could be a logistical challenge, but also spreads the game. The IPL ecosystem keeps evolving.
V
Vikram M
Pune is a great cricket city, no doubt. But I feel for the loyal Jaipur fans. The team's identity is tied to Rajasthan. This feels like a temporary fix. The BCCI should mediate and resolve the RCA dispute permanently.
K
Kavya N
More matches in Maharashtra! 🎉 As a Punekar, we love our cricket. The stadium is world-class after the World Cup upgrades. Welcome, Royals! Hope you bring the 'royal' treatment and some wins here.

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