The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is emerging as a potential venue for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 home matches, with Rajasthan Royals (RR) reportedly expressing interest. This follows recent discussions with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) regarding hosting their fixtures in Pune. MCA Secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal confirmed that RR officials recently visited the stadium, conducted a thorough inspection, and indicated their willingness to play a portion of their 2026 home games at the Pune venue. The final confirmation, however, rests with the BCCI regarding venue allocations for the upcoming season. RR’s consideration of Pune stems from ongoing issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association. The 2008 IPL champions also utilize Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium as an alternate home ground for select matches in the 2026 season. This potential shift highlights the dynamic nature of IPL team venue strategies and the appeal of established cricket infrastructure like the MCA Stadium.
