The upcoming IPL 2026 season could see a major shift for two of the league’s biggest teams. Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals are both looking at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium as a potential home ground. While Pune fans are excited, the move comes because of some very difficult situations back home for both franchises.

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For the Rajasthan Royals, the main issue is a falling out with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Things turned sour during the 2025 season when an RCA official made match-fixing allegations against the team. The Royals strongly denied these claims, but the relationship has not recovered. Since the RCA is currently run by an ad-hoc committee, the lack of stability has forced the team to look for a more reliable base. They have already started scouting Pune’s stadium and nearby hotels.

RCB is facing an even tougher challenge. Their home, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, was declared unfit for matches after a tragic stampede in June 2025. The incident, which happened during the team’s title celebrations, sadly claimed 11 lives. Because the government has not yet fixed the safety issues or eased restrictions, the defending champions are searching for a safe place to play, and Pune might be perfect.

The MCA is ready to welcome them. An official told reporters in Pune, "Yes, they visited to check the stadium capacity, pitch conditions, and local hotels. Our president, Rohit Pawar, is eager to bring the IPL back to the city and is taking all necessary steps." Regarding the progress of the talks, sources added, "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." However, RCB's move is less certain. The MCA noted, "The interest from RCB is real, but there's no certainty they will shift here. Any decision will depend on several factors." For now, the association is careful, stating, "It's a case of valuing what we have over chasing uncertain opportunities."