Royal Challengers Bengaluru have officially confirmed that five of their seven league-stage home fixtures in IPL 2026 will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The remaining two home matches will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur.
The announcement marks an important step for the franchise as cricket returns to Bengaluru following an extended period of uncertainty surrounding the venue.
Return to Chinnaswamy After Safety Review
The 2025 IPL victory celebrations were overshadowed by a tragic incident outside the stadium, which led to a comprehensive reassessment of safety arrangements and crowd management protocols. As a result, cricketing activities at the venue were temporarily suspended while authorities conducted a detailed review.
A state-level evaluation process followed, including recommendations from an independent committee formed to assess infrastructure, security, and event preparedness. After completing the required compliance measures, conditional approval was granted earlier this year, followed by formal clearance to resume operations.
With necessary safety upgrades implemented, the Chinnaswamy Stadium is now set to host IPL matches once again.
Franchise Statement on Bengaluru Return
The franchise expressed appreciation to the Karnataka government, the Karnataka State Cricket Association, and local law enforcement agencies for their coordination and support in facilitating the return of matches to Bengaluru.
RCB management highlighted the emotional and competitive significance of playing at their traditional home ground. Since the inception of the IPL in 2008, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been central to the team’s identity and fan culture whenever the tournament has been held in India.
Raipur to Host Two Fixtures
While Bengaluru will stage the majority of home matches, Raipur has been designated as the secondary venue for two league games. The stadium in Raipur has prior IPL experience, having hosted fixtures in earlier seasons.
This dual-venue arrangement ensures scheduling flexibility while maintaining a strong presence in Bengaluru.
Bigger Role for Chinnaswamy in IPL 2026
In addition to league matches, the Bengaluru venue is also set to stage one playoff fixture along with the IPL 2026 final. Traditionally, defending champions open the new season at their home ground, and that format is expected to continue.
The confirmation of venues now paves the way for the full tournament schedule to be released, subject to coordination with broader logistical considerations.
A Significant Step Forward
The decision signals renewed confidence in hosting large-scale sporting events at one of India’s most iconic cricket grounds. With strengthened safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades in place, RCB supporters can look forward to witnessing their team compete in familiar surroundings once again.
As IPL 2026 approaches, Bengaluru is set to regain its place as a central stage in the tournament’s calendar.
