IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals to move out from Jaipur? Report reveals search for new home underway

Rajasthan Royals to move out from Jaipur? Report reveals search for new home underway (BCCI Photo)

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) may not play their matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur in the upcoming edition of the cash-rich T20 competition. As reported by Cricbuzz, the franchise has begun exploring options outside the state to set up a new base. It added that the MCA Stadium in Gahunje, Pune, has emerged as one of the options, although an official announcement on the subject is yet to be made by the franchise.

The report further mentioned that even if a development as significant as this is initiated, the BCCI will always have the final say, and a confirmation by the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) would also be required to determine if the facility can host the franchise.

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Meanwhile, the report mentioned that preliminary discussions have already been held between the MCA and RR officials.

It claimed that the Royals' operations team had recently visited the city to check the stadium, hotel options, airport connectivity, and other logistical aspects.

The reason behind the big shift in base is reportedly due to the recent controversy involving the franchise and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). Things got ugly when Jaideep Bihani, RCA ad hoc committee convenor, slammed the Royals with match-fixing allegations, which were strongly denied by the franchise.

"Yes, they were here to find out details about the capacity of the stadium, the nature of the pitches, and hotels in the city," an MCA official was quoted as saying in the report. It added: "Our president, Mr. Rohit Pawar, is very keen that the IPL returns to the city. He is making all possible efforts."

If RR's base does shift to Pune, the city will host at least four home games, while the other three will be played at the northeastern city of Guwahati.

The MCA Stadium last hosted an IPL match in 2022, when it was held in only three venues across Mumbai and Pune, apart from the Playoffs, held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.