Published: February 23, 2026 | Category: IPL 2026 | Reading Time: 5 minutes
RCB’s Chinnaswamy Venue For IPL 2026 Not Final Yet
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru may have received a government nod to host IPL 2026 matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the matter is not closed yet. Discussions are still ongoing between the franchise, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the state authorities.
A senior KSCA official indicated that while permission has been granted in principle, certain formalities remain. “The KSCA has obtained the required government clearance to conduct the IPL matches. However, the infrastructure and safety-related works are still under progress and will be completed as per schedule,” the official said.
The stadium has been undergoing extensive renovation following recommendations made by the Expert Committee and other statutory authorities after the events of June 2025. Several spectator gates and access points have been dismantled and widened, and additional structural adjustments are being carried out to meet safety norms.
The association had earlier stated that these works were necessary before full-capacity matches could resume at the venue. Spectator access has remained restricted since mid-2025, and compliance certification is expected only after the final round of inspections.
While the KSCA remains confident about meeting timelines, it is understood that the franchise is seeking unconditional operational clearance before confirming the venue for its home games. RCB are believed to be cautious about proceeding on conditional approval, preferring clarity on crowd management and safety compliance before the tournament schedule is announced.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the IPL 2026 fixtures. The delay is partly linked to coordination around Assembly elections in several states, which typically influences security deployment and match planning. Venue confirmations are expected to be finalised alongside the schedule.
In the meantime, RCB have informally assessed backup options should there be any last-minute delay in readiness. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur has been discussed as a contingency venue, though no formal move has been initiated.
A comparable situation had emerged earlier with Rajasthan Royals, who sought indemnity from the state government before confirming matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. That development underlined the increased emphasis on compliance and accountability ahead of high-attendance fixtures.
For now, Chinnaswamy remains the designated home ground for RCB. However, final confirmation will depend on the completion of pending works and formal clearance from the relevant authorities.
The IPL is expected to commence in late March. Clarity on RCB’s home venue is likely in the coming days once inspections are concluded and approvals are formalised.