IPL 2026: Pleasant news has emerged for the cricket fans across Karnataka, as the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) announced on Tuesday that in the upcoming IPL 2026, they will play five of their seven home matches at the M Chinnaswamy stadium in Bengaluru. The team confirmed that they will play the remaining two matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. 

Confirmation comes months after stampede at Bengaluru stadium

The official statement released by the team comes months after uncertainty surrounding the Bengaluru venue, as a tragic stampede at the stadium had claimed 11 lives in 2025, after the team lifted the IPL 2025 winning trophy. Since then, the stadium has not hosted any tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.

IPL 2026: Team terms development as the result of ‘hard work’

RCB CEO Rajesh Menon termed the development as the result of ‘months of hard work and close coordination’ with the authorities concerned, to ensure the safe return of matches to their home ground. The franchise expressed gratitude towards the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for extending cooperation and support in ramping up the infrastructure, as well as the safety measures ahead of the season.

Menon said, “The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground. It is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, inspiring them through every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to watch their team compete at home.”