Rajasthan Royals (RR) may not play their home matches in Jaipur next season. A new report says the team is now in talks with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA). RR are exploring the option of making Pune their new home base. This development comes at a time when RR’s relationship with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has become strained.
Talks Begin Between RR and MCA
RR have already held their first round of discussions with MCA officials. The talks started soon after a serious dispute with the RCA. Recently, an RCA member accused the Royals of match-fixing. RR denied the allegation strongly. The franchise also demanded strict action against the person who made the claim. Since then, the bond between RR and RCA has weakened. Because of this, RR are now looking at other venues for their home matches.
An MCA official confirmed that RR team representatives visited Pune. They came to check the stadium’s seating capacity and pitch conditions. They also reviewed hotel facilities in the city. The same official said MCA President Rohit Pawar is very keen to bring IPL matches back to Pune. He is reportedly working hard to make this possible.
Pune’s MCA Stadium in Gahunje last hosted IPL games in 2022. At that time, the tournament was played only in Pune and Mumbai because of COVID restrictions. If the talks go well, RR hopes to play four home matches in Pune. Their remaining three matches may be held in Guwahati, which has been their secondary home venue for the past few years.
RR are not the only franchise showing interest in Pune. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have also expressed interest in shifting there. RCB are currently banned from using the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This ban was imposed after a deadly crowd stampede took place on June 4. However, RCB still hopes the Karnataka government might overturn the decision before the next IPL season starts.
With both RR and RCB showing interest, the MCA is carefully studying the situation. A final decision is expected soon. Another MCA official told IANS that they are likely to accept RR’s request. RCB, however, has asked for more time before confirming their home venue for the 2026 season.
Pune’s MCA Stadium has hosted many international matches in the past. It has also served as the home ground for different IPL teams over the years.
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