Rajasthan Royals are set for a major change ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with the franchise deciding to move their primary home base away from Jaipur. The shift follows growing tensions between the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), alongside unresolved administrative and safety concerns.
According to reports, the Royals will adopt the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune as their main home venue for IPL 2026. The move marks a significant departure for a franchise long associated with Rajasthan and the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The Royals are expected to split their eight home matches between Pune and Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium. As reported by journalist Subhayan Chakraborty, Guwahati is likely to host two to three home fixtures, with the remainder scheduled at the MCA Stadium in Pune, effectively making Pune the team’s primary base for the season.
Why Rajasthan Royals are moving away from Jaipur
The decision brings an end, at least for now, to the possibility of Rajasthan Royals playing all their home games in Jaipur. One of the immediate reasons behind the shift is the Sawai Mansingh Stadium’s failure to meet mandatory safety evacuation norms required to host IPL matches.
Beyond safety concerns, the exclusion of Jaipur is also linked to an ongoing administrative stalemate within the RCA. The BCCI has made it clear that IPL matches will not return to Jaipur until the association resolves its governance crisis and conducts long-pending elections.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has reiterated the need for the RCA to form a duly elected body. With committees unable to agree on election timelines, the impasse has effectively ruled out Jaipur as a venue for the upcoming season.
Pune set for IPL comeback
The MCA Stadium in Pune, which last hosted IPL matches in 2022 and previously served as the home ground for Rising Pune Supergiant, is now set for a return to the league. The development comes amid wider discussions around IPL venues, including earlier speculation about Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home ground, though Bengaluru is expected to retain its fixtures.
While it remains to be seen how the shift to Pune impacts attendance for Rajasthan Royals’ home matches, the franchise may draw confidence from the strong crowds witnessed in Guwahati in recent seasons.
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