Ball is in RCBs court: KSCA president urges franchise to play IPL 2026 home matches at Chinnaswamy
Former India cricketer Venkatesh Prasad, who is the current president of the KSCA, has urged the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to play all of their home matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad on Wednesday urged Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to not move their matches out of the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru in IPL 2026. Prasad said the ball is in RCB's court after the KSCA obtained conditional permission from the Karnataka government to hols IPL and international matches at the venue.
All cricketing activities at the Chinnaswamy Stadium were halted following a tragic stampede outside the venue during RCB's IPL title celebrations in June last year. The Karnataka government appointed an expert committee to inspect the stadium and the KSCA has been directed to implement all works and safety measures suggested by the panel.
The conditional clearance from the state government to host international and IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is subject to strict compliance from the KSCA. The venue has not hosted any domestic or international match since the tragic stampede last year.
However, KSCA president Prasad remains hopeful that RCB will consider returning to their original home venue. Citing the conditional clearance from the Karnataka government, Prasad on Wednesday told reporters in Bengaluru that he hopes RCB will play all their homes matches in Bengaluru.
"We have received the conditional permission from government, and we are confident of getting an unconditional permission sooner rather than later, and after doing all this, I sincerely hope that Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play all their seven home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium," Prasad was quoted as saying by PTI.
"So, now the ball is in RCB's court. I also hope that RCB also gets involved and engages with the government for smooth conduct of the matches. So far, it has been only one sided. We are doing this for cricket. Whether it is IPL or international matches. We are doing this for cricket," he added.
Prasad further reminded the RCB management of the overwhelming local support that they have received over the years and how the fandom has played a role in the growth of the franchise. The KSCA president said it was also the responsibility of the franchise to take the dialogue ahead and not take their matches away from Bengaluru.
Prasad's comments came at a time when reports have been doing the round that RCB are considering playing their home matches in Pune and Raipur in the IPL 2026. RCB have reportedly held talks with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) to play their home matches in Pune and have also held conversations with the Chhattisgarh Cricket Association.
We welcome Karnataka government's decision to allow matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium: RCB
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru welcomed the Karnataka government's decision to allow hosting matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. In a statement, the franchise also appreciated KSCA's efforts in the ongoing infrastructure work at the stadium, however, it maintained that there are still a few grey areas which need to be looked into before it can confirm its decision to play its home matches at the iconic venue.
BCCI has reportedly given a deadline to RCB and Rajasthan Royals to finalise their home venues for IPL 2026 by January 27.