The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune is expected to host some of the Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) home matches in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). RR has been considering Gahunje as a potential home venue for the upcoming season, with discussions progressing positively for the move. This shift would see Pune replacing Jaipur, which has been RR’s home base since the inception of the IPL in 2008.
Sources indicate that RR is leaning towards finalizing Pune as their new home venue, a decision influenced by disagreements with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The move to relocate some matches comes after tensions arose in IPL 2025 due to match-fixing allegations made by an RCA official against the franchise, which RR vehemently denied. The current administration of RCA, led by an adhoc committee under Deen Dayal Kumawat, is also a factor in RR’s potential decision to play in Pune.
Apart from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, RR also has another home ground at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to make an official announcement regarding this venue change soon, according to sources tracking the developments. The MCA Stadium in Pune has a history of hosting international and IPL matches, making it a familiar and suitable choice for RR’s potential relocation.
