The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has confirmed that both the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shown interest in making the MCA International Stadium in Pune (Gahunje) their home venue for IPL 2026. The move would bring high-profile IPL action to Pune, but final approval rests with the BCCI.
MCA acknowledges team visits
The MCA took to X to acknowledge that representatives from RR and RCB visited the Gahunje stadium a few weeks ago. In its post the association thanked both franchises for their interest and expressed confidence that the BCCI will consider approving the venue for future IPL fixtures.
“Considering the BCCI’s support for the Maharashtra Cricket Association, we are sure that the BCCI will approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for upcoming fixtures of one of these teams in the near future.”
Why Pune is in contention
Pune’s modern facility, good connectivity and the MCA’s push to bring high-profile matches to the city make it an attractive option. Reports suggest that RR is more likely to relocate some or all home games to Pune because Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium has reportedly not met updated evacuation and safety norms.
Meanwhile, RCB had explored options earlier this year, but the Karnataka government cleared the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in December to resume hosting matches, making RCB’s move to Pune less certain.
Key timeline
- Late 2025: Representatives from RR and RCB visited the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje.
- December 2025: Karnataka cabinet granted permission for M Chinnaswamy to host matches again.
- January 2, 2026: Reports suggested Pune could become RR’s new home due to safety concerns in Jaipur.
What happens next?
The next step is formal clearance from the BCCI. If the BCCI approves the MCA International Stadium as a home venue for one of the franchises, Pune could host IPL matches from 2026—bringing the IPL atmosphere, star players and big clashes to local fans.
What it means for fans and the city
For Pune cricket followers, hosting an IPL franchise would mean more live top-tier cricket, economic benefits from matchdays and renewed local interest in the sport. For the franchises, shifting home fixtures involves logistical planning, fan outreach and meeting the BCCI’s operational and safety standards.
Ultimately, while both Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have expressed interest, indications point to RR being the likelier candidate to base some home games in Pune given the issues at Jaipur. The decision, however, will be confirmed only after the BCCI completes its assessment.