Chinnaswamy Stadium set to host five RCB games in IPL 2026

RCB's two other home fixtures this season will be played in Raipur

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been confirmed as the home venue for five Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) matches in IPL 2026. The development follows an extensive discussion between the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and RCB officials on Monday. ESPNcricinfo understands the BCCI has been apprised of the matter, with the IPL schedule announcement imminent. It's likely the Chinnaswamy will now host the season opener on March 28.

The franchise has also confirmed two home matches will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Stadium in Raipur "as per prior commitments". In January, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon had met officials from the Chhattisgarh government over the possibility of playing a few of their home matches. Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai is believed to have offered his full support, including extending certain tax exemptions, while signing the MoU.

A statement issued by the franchise quoted Menon as saying the franchise had "completed necessary due processes around permissions". While the KSCA, under new president Venkatesh Prasad, have been steadfast in their belief over the Chinnaswamy's preparedness, RCB had sought clarity from the state government and police on a number of issues.

Of top concern was safety issues that placed the onus on the organisers for any untoward incident at and around the venue. At the time, RCB had sought clarity. They contended that the term "organisers" was vague since there are three parties involved - RCB, the KSCA, and state police or government agencies. RCB are believed to have been given clarity on their concerns at Monday's meeting, before a formal communication was sent to the KSCA.

The KSCA is currently amid its final stretch of preparations to fulfil "short-term commitments" the government had issued towards them as part of a 17-point infrastructure overhaul that was necessary after a prolonged battle in the wake of 11 deaths during last June's IPL victory celebrations outside the Chinnaswamy.

As things stand, the KSCA has until March 15 to complete all pending work, including widening of gates to smoothen entry and exit points - identified as a major shortcoming by the John Justice D'Cunha report following an audit of the stadium late last year. The KSCA is also working towards ensuring smooth entry and exit points for ambulances, and ensuring the old National Cricket Academy (NCA) premises, with its vast area, is used as an assembly area for large crowd gathering before the crowds disperse towards their respective stands.

There has been no directive issued for reduced crowd capacity, which was understood to be one of the major concerns for RCB.