The Indian Premier League (IPL) champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), may not play their home games at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the 2026 season, which might be disappointing news for their supporters in Bengaluru. The announcement coincides the closure of Chinnaswamy Stadium after the tragic stampede on June 4.

According to a Times of India report, the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, is being considered as RCB’s second home until the suspension on the Chinnaswamy Stadium is lifted. “This arrangement (Pune hosting RCB’s matches) is in discussion but it’s not confirmed yet,” Maharashtra Cricket Association secretary Kamlesh Pisal told TOI.

“They have a problem in Karnataka, because of the stampede that happened. So, they are looking out for a venue and we have offered them our stadium. There are preliminary discussions and there are a couple of technical things which need to be sorted out. If things fall in place then, probably yes, Pune will host the matches,” Pisal added.

Fans were delighted after RCB won their first-ever IPL title on June 3 this year, ending a 17 years wait for the trophy.

After their victory over Punjab Kings in the final, the entire RCB team arrived at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport early on June 4 and proceeded directly to the Vidhana Soudha for a felicitation ceremony hosted by the Karnataka government.

After meeting the Karnataka Chief Minister, the players opted for a closed-bus ride to the Chinnaswamy stadium, leading to the cancellation of the planned open-bus prade due to heavy crowds and traffic. Meanwhile, a large crowd had gathered at the gates of the M. Chinnaswamy stadium to witness a glimpse of their heroes, particularly Virat Kohli.

A stampede-like situation near the stadium gates, caused by poor crowd management and confusion over entry, leaving 11 people-including a minor-dead and several others injured.