IPL 2026: After RCB, Rajasthan Royals also in race to shift base to Pune

It has come to notice that 2008 champions Rajasthan Royals might relocate to another home venue for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, with Pune's MCA International Stadium being the frontrunner. RR's relocation plans stem from the long-going issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA).

There is no official confirmation on the same though. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will have their final say on the matter and their decision will the ultimate one. However, the first decision point will be that of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA).

It is being reported that RR's management has already begun exploring venues. Their search has also included Pune, as per Cricbuzz. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also in talks with the Maharashtra Cricket Association, but the preliminary discussions have already been staged between the MCA and RR's representatives.

If at all the MCA Stadium is finalized as RR's venue, they will play a minimum of four matches in Pune. The remainder of their three matches will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. An official from the MCA privy to the development revealed that 'all possible efforts' are being made to make the IPL return to Pune.

"Yes, they were here to find out details about the capacity of the stadium, the nature of the pitches and hotels in the city. Our president, Mr. Rohit Pawar, is very keen that the IPL returns to the city. He is making all possible efforts," stated the MCA official.

An operations team from RR was recently sent to Pune to evaluate the venue, connectivity to airport, hotel options and other aspects in relation to logistics. It is not unknown that there have been lingering points of discord between RR and the RCA. The situation intensified last season when an official from the RCA accused the franchise of indulging in match-fixing.

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Meanwhile, RCB have also reportedly approached the MCA for talks in relation to being their secondary home venue in the back of the catastrophic June 4 stampede at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

For the time being, the MCA is now facing a dilemma. RR have already sent emails to the MCA. However, the MCA's stance might change closer to the IPL when it comes to the hosting of either of the two franchises. Or just in case, hosting games for both.