DEFENDING CHAMPIONS Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with five home fixtures scheduled to be played in Bengaluru this season. The development follows months of coordinated efforts among key authorities, united by the goal of bringing matches back to the team’s primary home venue.
The remaining two matches of RCB’s Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, in line with a prior commitment.
In a media statement, RCB expressed its appreciation to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their guidance, cooperation and support in enabling the return of IPL matches to Bengaluru.
Extensive upgrades to infrastructure and safety protocols ahead of the season have ensured that the reigning champions can stage the majority of their home games at their traditional base.
The announcement comes in the aftermath of the tragic stampede that claimed 11 lives following RCB’s maiden IPL title triumph. Since that incident, the stadium has not hosted any major domestic fixtures, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy or the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20.
RCB CEO Rajesh 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.”
