Jaipur, January 5, 2026: In a major development ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has made a strong appeal to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to retain Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) in Jaipur as a venue for Rajasthan Royals’ home games, even as the franchise edges closer to shifting its home base to Pune’s MCA Stadium.
The RCA wrote to the BCCI, IPL authorities and key officials this week, underlining the historical importance of Jaipur as the Royals’ home ground and assuring that “all necessary safety measures” will be implemented in accordance with established norms and international best practices. The letter reiterated that SMS has hosted high-profile matches, including Vijay Hazare Trophy fixtures with strong spectator turnout, without any safety incidents, and emphasized the city’s passionate fan support for the franchise.
However, the move to Pune seems increasingly likely. Reports indicate that the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Gahunje is set to host the majority of the Royals’ home games in IPL 2026, marking a significant shift from Jaipur. The franchise has reportedly engaged with MCA officials and conducted ground inspections, as talks progress toward finalisation.
Reasons Behind Potential Shift from Jaipur
The potential relocation stems from long-running disagreements and administrative challenges between the Royals and the RCA. Tensions escalated last season when an RCA official made controversial match-fixing allegations against the franchise, a claim the Royals categorically denied and which was later dismissed by senior BCCI figures.
Moreover, safety compliance concerns, including the failure to meet mandatory evacuation and security protocols at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, have reportedly influenced discussions about alternate hosting options.
Complicating matters further, the RCA has been run by ad-hoc committees for nearly two years without a properly elected executive, a situation that contravenes BCCI guidelines. A return to Jaipur for IPL matches may hinge on the association resolving its governance deadlock and holding overdue elections.
Pune and Beyond: New Home Grounds for RR?
Sources suggest that the Royals may not only utilize the MCA Stadium in Pune but also split some home fixtures with Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, where the team has played fixtures in recent seasons. The potential split is seen as a practical compromise amid infrastructure and administrative challenges tied to the Jaipur venue.
For Jaipur cricket fans, this represents a historic shift. The Royals have made Jaipur their base since the IPL’s inception in 2008, and SMS Stadium has hosted numerous memorable moments over nearly two decades.
What’s Next?
The final decision rests with the BCCI and IPL governing council. A formal announcement on the official home venues for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026 is expected soon, once logistical arrangements and compliance requirements are finalised. In the meantime, Jaipur officials maintain they are ready to address concerns and secure the city’s place on cricket’s biggest domestic stage.