RCB Set to Play 5 Home Matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in IPL 2026

March 04, 2026: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru have confirmed that they will play five of their home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in the upcoming IPL season. The remaining two home games will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.

There were many doubts about whether RCB would be able to return to their home ground this season. These doubts came after the tragic stampede outside the stadium, where 11 fans lost their lives following RCB’s first IPL title win. After that incident, no major domestic matches were played at the venue. Tournaments like the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 were also not held there.

The franchise said that this decision was taken after several meetings and proper discussions with the authorities. They worked closely with the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the Karnataka Police. RCB thanked all of them for their support and guidance.

𝗪𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲. 🏟️❤️🥹

5️⃣ home games at the Chinnaswamy. ❤️‍🔥
2️⃣ in Raipur. 😎

Bengaluru, get ready. The champions return to entertain you! 👑🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB pic.twitter.com/WGBG8niDUv

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 3, 2026

Safety Measures and Official Support

RCB said that many steps have been taken to improve safety and stadium facilities. The authorities have upgraded infrastructure and added improved crowd-control measures. The franchise said all required permissions were completed before confirming the matches in Bengaluru.

The team also clarified that the two home matches in Raipur will be played as per earlier commitment. These matches were already planned before the final schedule was confirmed.

RCB CEO Rajesh Menon said that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is not just a cricket ground for the team. He said it is a place where the team’s true identity comes alive. According to him, the fans in Bengaluru always give strong support, and their energy helps the players perform better. He added that the supporters deserve to watch their team play at home.

Former India cricketer and KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad also spoke about this development. He said this achievement feels very special to him. He even said that it is probably bigger than his famous five-wicket haul against England at Lord’s in 1996.

Prasad also confirmed that the opening match and the opening ceremony of the IPL season will be held in Bengaluru. He added that the playoff matches and even the IPL final will also take place in the city. This means Bengaluru will host some of the most important games of the season.

With this announcement, RCB fans can now look forward to cheering their team at home once again.