RCB to play home games in Pune? Report says discussions underway for matches outside Bengaluru

Defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) might not be able to play at their home ground of M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the next season. Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium is reportedly being discussed as an option to host RCB’s home games.

According to reports in The Times of India and The Indian Express, preliminary discussions have taken place between the association and the franchise.

Kamlesh Pisal, honorary secretary of the MCA, told The Indian Express, “We are in discussions (with RCB) but they have not confirmed yet. They are looking into other venues, and we have been in discussions with them. But they will only be able to confirm after the (player) auction. A couple of technical things need to be sorted out. We are in discussion with (vice-president and head of RCB) Rajesh Menon.”

“The most ideal location for them, after Bengaluru, is Pune. Airport, hotel accommodation logistics, capacity of the ground, fan base, if you count everything.” Pisai added.

Pune has previously hosted IPL matches as the home base of the Pune Warriors India in 2012-13 and the Rising Pune Supergiants in 2016-17. It has also acted as an alternative venue for Chennai Super Kings’ home matches in 2018. The stadium was also among the four venues that hosted the entire league stage of the 2022 IPL.

Chinnaswamy’s shadow ban continues

Although not officially banned, the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been consistently overlooked by BCCI for hosting matches since the June 4 stampede outside the ground.

It did not host the Women’s World Cup and is reportedly not among the venues shortlisted for the upcoming T20 World Cup.

11 people had died and several others left injured in the stampede as victory celebrations after RCB’s maiden IPL triumph went wrong. A state government-backed committee found that the stadium was unsafe for handling large crowds. The committee “strongly recommended” that large-scale events be relocated out of the Chinnaswamy.

The stadium did host matches in the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) K Thimmappiah Memorial Trophy but fans were not allowed to attend the games.