The future of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) home matches for IPL 2026 hangs in the balance, with the Karnataka government demanding a fresh structural safety clearance for the historic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Why the stadium is under scrutiny

Since the tragic Bengaluru stampedewhich killed 11 people and injured around 50, the venue has not been granted hosting rights for any major matches. An independent inquiry led by Justice John Michael D’Cunha declared the stadium unfit for large-scale events.

Following this, the Public Works Department (PWD) issued a notice to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)asking for a detailed structural safety report.

NABL-certified report mandatory

The stadium can host games again only if its safety report is certified by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Without it, both the Karnataka government and BCCI will not grant clearance.

As a result, Bengaluru was excluded from:

• 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup

• 2025 Women’s Premier League (WPL)

• 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup

RCB may shift base for IPL 2026

With uncertainty growing, RCB is already considering backup venues. If KSCA fails to obtain the necessary clearance, RCB could shift home games to the MCA Stadium in Pune for IPL 2026.

New Karnataka stadium coming — but not soon

The Karnataka Cabinet recently approved a new international cricket stadium and sports complex in Anekal. However, construction will not be completed before December 2026meaning:

What happens next?

Everything now depends on whether KSCA can build a strong enough case — backed by NABL certification — to prove that M Chinnaswamy Stadium is safe for hosting matches again. Until then, RCB fans may have to prepare for a temporary home away from Bengaluru.