According to Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) secretary Santosh Menon, Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host a total of seven matches during the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
It includes five home matches of defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), one play-off match and the all-important final.
“They (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) have agreed to play five matches in Bengaluru, and the playoffs will also be played in Bengaluru, and the biggest news is that the IPL final will also be played in Bengaluru. The fans will be entertained at the opening ceremony – the date will be announced soon – followed by the first match, five league games, a play-off game and the final. That's what the BCCI has promised us, and maybe they will announce the schedule soon.” The roar is going to echo again in Chinnaswamy Stadium,” the KSCA secretary said.
It is important to note that RCB's two other home matches will be held at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
“RCB expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, Karnataka State Cricket Association and Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of the matches in Bengaluru. The collective efforts to enhance infrastructure and security measures in time for the IPL season have ensured that the defending champions will play most of their home games at their home ground,” RCB said in a statement on Tuesday, March 3.
Meanwhile, RCB CEO Rajesh Menon described the M Chinnaswamy Stadium as the identity of the franchise.
“The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy that our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, motivating them in every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to see their team compete on home turf,” said Rajesh.
He said, “After detailed discussions and completing the necessary process related to permissions, we are happy to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, KSCA and Karnataka Police for their support in making this possible.”
Notably, M Chinnaswamy has been suspended from June 2025 after 11 fans lost their lives during the stampede at RCB's IPL 2025 title celebration. The return of cricket to the iconic venue comes as music to the ears of ardent fans in the region. RCB has one of the most passionate fan bases in the competition. Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli And company will be eagerly waiting to enter Chinnaswamy as defending champions. Royal Challengers want to become the third team to win the IPL title twice in a row.
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