Updated 21 January 2026 at 12:18 IST

RCB Owners Scared to Return to M. Chinnaswamy For IPL 2026 Despite KSCA Nod. Here's Why

IPL 2026: The Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise have got the nod from the Karnataka State Cricket Association to play their IPL games at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy, yet they are hesitant.

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Virat Kohli (L), Chinnaswamy Stampede (R)
Virat Kohli (L), Chinnaswamy Stampede (R) | Image: ANI/Screengrab

IPL 2026: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have got the much-needed clearance from the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) to play their IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy. 

RCB Owners Scared 

Despite the nod, the RCB owners are scared to play their home games at the venue. While this sounds weird, there is valid reason behind them being skeptical about the scenario. 

ALSO READ: KSCA VP Outlines The Initiatives To Revive Chinnaswamy Stadium's Glory

It is reportedly understood that the owners are afraid of the new law enforced by the Karnataka government after the Bengaluru stampede left 11 killed and several injured. The new law states that wherever a match is going on, even if something happens in the roads surrounding the venue, the team is held responsible. This is the new law that is scaring the RCB owners. 

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“Karnataka government decided to bring in a law after what happened there (Bengaluru stampede). Wherever a match is going on, even if something happens in the roads surrounding the venue, the team is held responsible. This is the reason why RCB owners are scared,” the BCCI source said as quoted by Dainik Jagran. 

RCB Ask MI's Help

As per Dainik Jagran, RCB plan to host five games of the upcoming season at the DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai. For that to happen, RCB need a no-objection certificate from Mumbai Indians. 

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It can be confirmed that a deadline has been given to RCB to finalize their stance on playing in Bengaluru.

ALSO READ: Vaishnavi Sharma Replaces Kamalini In MI Squad For Remainder Of WPL 2026

The cities that are likely to host IPL 2026 matches this year are Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, New Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Dharamsala, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Navi Mumbai and Thiruvanathapuram.

Published By : Ankit Banerjee

Published On: 21 January 2026 at 12:13 IST