By Admin 
Before IPL 2026, there is great news for the fans of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Defending champion RCB will again be seen playing most of its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The franchise has made it clear that the team will play five home matches in Bengaluru, while two matches will be held in Raipur.
There was uncertainty regarding the matches on this ground due to the stampede incident that took place outside the stadium after winning the title last season. 11 people had died in that tragic incident. Since then no major domestic tournament has been organized on this ground. Tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy and Maharaja Trophy were also not played here. In such a situation, the question was whether RCB would be able to play on its home ground in IPL 2026 or not.
Now the franchise has announced that after a long process and taking all the necessary permissions, the team has got approval to play in Bengaluru. RCB issued a statement saying that arrangements related to security and infrastructure have been completed with the cooperation of the government, Karnataka State Cricket Association and police administration.
Where will the matches take place
RCB will play its five matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The remaining two “home matches” will be held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. According to the franchise, the matches will be played in Raipur under pre-decided rules.
RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said that Chinnaswamy is not just a field but a part of the team’s identity. The enthusiasm of the spectators here always acts as an inspiration for the players. He also said that the fans have supported the team in every situation and they are entitled to see the team playing at their home. Along with this, Menon thanked the Karnataka Government, KSCA and Karnataka Police.
Virat’s return will increase enthusiasm
There is another special thing related to the match in Chinnaswamy in IPL 2026 – Virat Kohli’s homecoming. Kohli has a special relationship with this ground and the Bengaluru crowd always gives him full support. In such a situation, there is full hope that the echo of “Kohli-Kohli” will be heard again in the stadium.