The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is learnt to be in discussion with RCB to provide Pune as a home venue for the IPL franchise in the 2026 season. Speaking on the development, MCA Secretary Kamlesh Pisal said that the MCA Stadium in Gahunje can host RCB matches following the tragic stampede near Bangalore’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium in May this year. The incident, which claimed several lives during the victory parade of the team, has kept the Chinnaswamy Stadium under renovation ever since. It was not available for the just concluded Women’s ODI World Cup and won’t be available for the Men’s T20 World Cup also slated to be staged in India later this year.
Pisal informed Times of India that Pune has thrown its hat into the ring as a formidable contender to act as RCB’s interim home ground. The city, which has smoothly hosted IPL teams in the past, such as Pune Warriors India and Rising Pune Supergiant, is confident of embracing high-class cricket once again. As per reports, the discussions in this regard are at an advanced stage and just a trifle remains to be ironed out.
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“This arrangement is in discussion but it’s not confirmed yet,” he said. “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.”
In fact, the MCA Stadium has a seating capacity of more than 42,000, even bigger than the Chinnaswamy, and is fully equipped to handle mega IPL matches. A final decision is likely to be made only after the IPL 2026 player auction, scheduled to take place in late December, said Pisal.
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“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,” said Pisal.
He also highlighted that Pune would be the most ideal alternative to Bangalore itself because of a number of factors, which include logistical convenience, stadium facilities, and accommodation options.
