Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium might stage Rajasthan Royals’ or Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home fixtures in the 2026 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

In a statement released on Sunday (January 4), the MCA confirmed that officials of defending champions RCB and inaugural IPL champions RR visited MCA Stadium two weeks ago.

MCA also expressed confidence that the BCCI will approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for one of these franchises in the near future.

“We extend our sincere thanks to Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals for visiting MCA International Stadium, Gahunje, Pune, a couple of weeks back. Their presence marks a significant step in showcasing the MCA International Stadium, Pune, as a premier destination for top-tier cricketing events," the statement read.

“Considering BCCI’s support for the Maharashtra Cricket Association, we are sure that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for upcoming fixtures of one of these teams in the near future. With BCCI’s support, Indian Premier League (IPL) matches can soon be hosted in Pune, bringing high-profile clashes, world-class players, and the electrifying IPL spectacle to cricket fans in the city."

“Maharashtra Cricket Association looks forward to welcoming big matches, big players, and unforgettable moments very soon," the statement added.

During the IPL 2025 season, RR played their first two home matches in Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium and the remaining five home games were held at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, whereas RCB played all seven of their home fixtures at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

11 people had lost their lives in a tragic stampede incident outside the Chinnaswamy Stadium while attending RCB's maiden IPL title win celebrations in June last year. Since then, the venue hasn’t hosted any competitive matches. However, former India pacer and the newly-elected KSCA chief Venkatesh Prasad has vowed to bring cricket back to iconic stadium.

On the other hand, RR’s matches could be taken out of Jaipur after the ad hoc committee that has been governing the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) for the past two years cast a shadow of doubt over whether the state will be allowed to host IPL matches in 2026.

As per the BCCI, the situation within the RCA is not favourable for it to be allowed to stage matches with the ad hoc committee still operational.