In a shocking development for IPL fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could be waving goodbye to their iconic home turf at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Reports emerging from cricket circles suggest that the franchise might relocate its home matches for IPL 2026 to either Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium or Indore’s Holkar Stadium.
This potential shift comes amid ongoing discussions about venue capacities, logistics, and revenue optimization in the world’s richest T20 league. Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, with its 35,000 capacity, has been RCB’s fortress since the IPL’s inception in 2008. However, newer venues like Raipur and Indore boast larger seating arrangements—over 41,000 each—potentially allowing for higher ticket sales and better matchday experiences.
Sources close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) indicate that infrastructure upgrades and state government incentives are key factors. Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have aggressively pitched their stadiums, offering top-tier facilities including modern floodlights, premium seating, and seamless connectivity. ‘It’s about future-proofing the franchise,’ one insider revealed, hinting at RCB’s ambition to maximize fan turnout post-pandemic.
RCB’s loyal fanbase, famously known for their ‘Ee Sala Cup Namde’ chants, might find this news hard to swallow. The team has struggled to lift the IPL trophy despite star-studded lineups featuring Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and now Faf du Plessis. A change in home ground could inject fresh energy, but it risks alienating Bengaluru’s passionate supporters who pack the stands every season.
While no official confirmation has been made, BCCI’s venue selection committee is reportedly reviewing proposals. IPL 2026 is still years away, giving ample time for negotiations. For now, cricket enthusiasts are buzzing with speculation: Will RCB trade Bengaluru’s electric atmosphere for bigger crowds elsewhere? Stay tuned as this story develops.