RCB to play 5 home matches; Bengaluru to host IPL-2026 final

Bengaluru: Defending Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) yesterday confirmed that five of their home matches in the upcoming Indian Premier League-2026 season will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, marking a full-fledged return to their traditional home venue.

The franchise said that the development follows months of coordination with various authorities to facilitate the hosting of matches in the city. The remaining two home fixtures of RCB’s IPL 2026 campaign will be staged at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, in line with prior commitments.

RCB expressed gratitude to Karnataka Government, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the Karnataka Police for their guidance and cooperation in ensuring the return of matches to Bengaluru.

Rajesh Menon, CEO of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, said that Chinnaswamy Stadium represents more than just a venue for the team.

“It is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players,” he said.

Meanwhile, KSCA Secretary Santhosh Menon said, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has committed to allotting a crucial playoff fixture and the title clash to the city, marking a major boost for cricket fans  in Karnataka.

“The play-off will be played in Bengaluru. And the biggest news is the final of the IPL will also be played in Bengaluru,” he said, while confirming that five league games have also been awarded to the venue. He added that the city’s cricket calendar will begin with the inaugural ceremony, the date of which is expected to be announced shortly, followed by the opening match, five league fixtures, a playoff and the final.

“This is what the BCCI has committed to us, and probably they’ll announce their schedule shortly. We’re looking forward to these announcements from the BCCI, from the Governing Council and from RCB,”  Santhosh said.