Bengaluru — Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will play five of their home matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, bringing top-flight cricket back to the franchise’s traditional home ground.
The announcement follows extensive discussions between the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), local authorities and the franchise management regarding the readiness of the venue to host major matches. With approvals now in place, Bengaluru will stage the majority of RCB’s home fixtures as the team prepares to defend the IPL title it won in 2025.
However, the team will not play all its home matches in Bengaluru this season. Two of RCB’s seven home games will instead be staged at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, making IPL 2026 the first time the franchise has used two home venues in a single season.
The return to Chinnaswamy carries special significance. The stadium had faced scrutiny following a tragic crowd crush outside the venue in June 2025, when thousands of fans gathered to celebrate RCB’s maiden IPL title victory and 11 people lost their lives. The venue subsequently underwent safety reviews and infrastructure improvements before being cleared again to host major cricket events.
Beyond RCB’s matches, Bengaluru is set to play a prominent role in the upcoming IPL season. According to KSCA officials, the Chinnaswamy Stadium will also host a playoff match and the IPL 2026 final, further cementing the city’s place at the centre of the tournament’s marquee events.
For RCB supporters, the confirmation brings the much-anticipated return of the “home fortress” atmosphere. Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, the Chinnaswamy Stadium has been synonymous with the franchise, known for its electrifying crowd support and batting-friendly pitch that has produced some of the tournament’s most memorable matches.
With the IPL 2026 schedule expected soon, Bengaluru fans can now look forward to seeing their champions back on familiar turf a reunion that promises packed stands, roaring crowds and another chapter in the city’s vibrant cricketing story.
