The Rajasthan Royals are preparing for a major home-ground shake-up ahead of IPL 2026, with Jaipur set to be absent from the franchise’s match schedule for the first time in years. In a significant development that could reshape the team’s fan engagement and logistical planning, Rajasthan Royals (RR) are expected to move their primary home venue away from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and base themselves in Pune for the upcoming Indian Premier League season.
This decision follows mounting concerns around stadium safety, governance issues within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), and firm intervention from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to reports, RR will split their home fixtures between the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune and the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, marking a notable departure from tradition as IPL 2026 approaches.
Jaipur Set to Miss Out on IPL 2026 Matches
For over a decade, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur has been synonymous with Rajasthan Royals’ home identity. The venue has hosted iconic matches, memorable chases, and passionate crowds that helped establish RR as one of the most followed teams in the league. However, IPL 2026 is likely to break that long-standing association.
The primary reason cited for the move is the stadium’s failure to meet evacuation and safety standards required for hosting large-scale sporting events. Reports suggest that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium did not comply with updated safety norms, particularly those related to emergency exits and crowd evacuation protocols. With the IPL attracting tens of thousands of spectators and global broadcast attention, safety compliance has become non-negotiable.
BCCI officials have reportedly taken a strict stance, emphasizing that no compromises can be made when it comes to spectator safety. As a result, Jaipur has been ruled out as a venue unless substantial improvements and compliance checks are completed.
Pune Emerges as Rajasthan Royals’ New Home Base
With Jaipur no longer a viable option for IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals have turned to the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune as their primary home venue. The stadium, known for its modern infrastructure and high seating capacity, is seen as a reliable alternative that meets BCCI’s stringent safety and operational standards.
The MCA Stadium has a strong IPL pedigree, having previously served as the home ground for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiants. It last hosted IPL matches in 2022, when the tournament was staged across limited venues due to logistical considerations. Since then, the venue has remained IPL-ready but unused, making it an ideal choice for RR.
By shifting to Pune, Rajasthan Royals ensure continuity in hosting high-quality matches without the risk of regulatory or safety issues. The city’s accessibility, hospitality infrastructure, and experience with hosting marquee cricket events further strengthen its case as a temporary home for IPL 2026.
Home Matches to Be Split Between Pune and Guwahati
Interestingly, Pune will not be the sole home venue for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026. The franchise is expected to divide its eight home matches between Pune and Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
Guwahati has emerged in recent years as a secondary home venue for RR, with the franchise regularly hosting a few matches there each season. The move has been part of a broader IPL strategy to expand the league’s footprint into new regions and bring top-level cricket to underserved markets.
The Barsapara Stadium has received positive feedback from players, fans, and administrators alike. With enthusiastic crowds and improving facilities, Guwahati continues to grow as a reliable IPL destination. For IPL 2026, it will once again play a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ home campaign.
RCB and the Venue Shuffle: A Broader IPL Issue
The reshuffling of venues is not limited to Rajasthan Royals. Earlier reports suggested that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were also exploring alternative home grounds due to concerns raised by the Karnataka government about the safety of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
At one point, Pune was reportedly among the options considered by RCB, as the state authorities expressed reservations about hosting large gatherings at the Bengaluru venue. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has since indicated optimism that the necessary clearances and safety measures will be implemented in time.
While RCB now appears hopeful of returning to their traditional home, the situation highlights a broader challenge facing IPL 2026: ensuring that all venues meet modern safety, governance, and infrastructure standards.
Deeper Rift Between RR and Rajasthan Cricket Association
Although stadium safety is the immediate trigger, the Rajasthan Royals’ exit from Jaipur cannot be viewed in isolation. The relationship between the franchise and the Rajasthan Cricket Association has been strained for several years, with governance issues repeatedly making headlines.
One of the most controversial moments came last season when Jaydeep Bihani, then convener of the RCA’s ad-hoc committee, publicly accused Rajasthan Royals of match-fixing following a game against the Lucknow Super Giants. The allegation sent shockwaves through the cricketing community.
RR categorically denied the claims, calling them irresponsible and unfounded. Senior BCCI officials also dismissed the allegations, reportedly stating in off-the-record conversations that there was no basis for such accusations. While the controversy eventually subsided, it further damaged the already fragile relationship between the franchise and the state association.
BCCI’s Ultimatum: Elections or No IPL
The BCCI has since taken a hard line against the Rajasthan Cricket Association, making it clear that governance reforms are essential if Jaipur hopes to host IPL matches again. Ahead of IPL 2026, the board reportedly issued an ultimatum stating that no matches would be allocated to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium until the RCA resolves its ongoing administrative crisis.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal reiterated the board’s position, emphasizing that the RCA must conduct long-pending elections in accordance with BCCI guidelines. Only an elected body, he stated, would be recognized as legitimate for hosting IPL fixtures.
The RCA has been under ad-hoc administration for nearly two years, a situation that directly violates BCCI norms. Despite repeated deadlines and warnings, the association has failed to organize elections, citing internal disagreements and lack of consensus.
Ad-Hoc Committees and Governance Paralysis
The governance crisis within the RCA has worsened over time. After the tenure of one ad-hoc committee ended, another was installed under the leadership of D.D. Kumawat. However, this panel too failed to move the election process forward.
Reports suggest that the RCA is now preparing to appoint a third ad-hoc committee within a span of just two years. Such a move has raised serious concerns within the BCCI, which views prolonged ad-hoc governance as detrimental to the sport’s administration at the state level.
For IPL 2026, this administrative paralysis has proven costly, with Jaipur losing its status as a host city despite having a historic venue and a passionate fan base.
Impact on Rajasthan Royals and Their Fans
The absence of IPL matches in Jaipur is a significant blow for Rajasthan Royals supporters. The city has been the emotional heart of the franchise, producing iconic moments such as the team’s historic title win in 2008 and several playoff campaigns.
From a sporting perspective, the shift could also affect team dynamics. Home conditions, crowd support, and familiarity with the pitch often play a crucial role in IPL success. RR will now need to adapt to conditions in Pune and Guwahati, balancing performance with fan engagement in multiple regions.
However, the franchise appears committed to maintaining strong ties with its supporters in Rajasthan, with officials reportedly expressing hope that Jaipur will return to the IPL map once governance and safety issues are resolved.
Pune’s Return to the IPL Spotlight
For Pune, IPL 2026 represents an opportunity to reclaim its place in the league’s landscape. The city has a strong cricketing culture and a modern stadium that has previously delivered high-quality matches.
Local authorities and the MCA are expected to welcome Rajasthan Royals with open arms, seeing the arrangement as a chance to revive IPL excitement and boost local tourism and economy. If the experiment proves successful, Pune could emerge as a more regular IPL venue in the future.
What Lies Ahead for Jaipur and IPL 2026
While Jaipur’s absence from IPL 2026 is a setback, it also serves as a warning to other cricket associations. The BCCI’s stance underscores the importance of governance, transparency, and infrastructure readiness in modern professional sport.
If the RCA manages to conduct elections, install an elected body, and bring the Sawai Mansingh Stadium up to safety standards, the city could return to hosting IPL matches in future seasons. Until then, Rajasthan Royals will continue their journey away from home, adapting to new venues while keeping an eye on a possible return.
Conclusion
The decision to move Rajasthan Royals’ home matches away from Jaipur for IPL 2026 is the result of a complex mix of safety concerns, administrative failures, and strained relationships. With Pune set to become RR’s primary base and Guwahati continuing as a secondary venue, the upcoming season will mark a new chapter in the franchise’s history.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how Rajasthan Royals adapt to their temporary homes—and whether Jaipur can resolve its long-standing issues to reclaim its place in one of the world’s biggest sporting leagues.
