A major venue update has emerged ahead of Indian Premier League 2026, with Rajasthan Royals likely to move away from their traditional home ground in Jaipur for the upcoming season. According to the latest update shared by cricket reporter Abhishek Tripathi, Rajasthan Royals are expected to play their IPL 2026 home matches in Pune and Guwahati, instead of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
The development comes amid ongoing administrative uncertainty within the Rajasthan Cricket Association, which has directly impacted venue approvals for the new IPL season.
Why Rajasthan Royals Are Moving Away From Jaipur
The main issue surrounds the Rajasthan Cricket Association, where elections are still pending. Due to the lack of an elected body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not cleared Jaipur Sawai Mansingh Stadium as a confirmed IPL venue.
With the IPL 2026 schedule preparation underway, BCCI has reportedly given Rajasthan Royals a deadline of January 27, 2026, to finalize their home venues so that fixture planning can move forward without delays.
Why Rajasthan Royals Are Moving Away From Jaipur
The main issue surrounds the Rajasthan Cricket Association, where elections are still pending. Due to the lack of an elected body, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not cleared Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium as a confirmed IPL venue.
With the IPL 2026 schedule preparation underway, BCCI has reportedly given Rajasthan Royals a deadline of January 27, 2026, to finalize their home venues so that fixture planning can move forward without delays.
Rajasthan Royals IPL Home Venues – Likely Plan for 2026
| City | Stadium | Expected Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Pune | MCA Stadium, Gahunje | 4–5 matches |
| Guwahati | Barsapara Cricket Stadium | 2–3 matches |
| Jaipur | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Subject to clearance |
Sawai Mansingh Stadium: A Strong RR Fortress
Jaipur has been Rajasthan Royals’ home since the early IPL years and holds strong emotional value for fans. Over the years, RR have enjoyed a solid record at the venue, especially while chasing targets. However, administrative delays have now put its IPL future on hold.
Unless RCA elections are completed and BCCI receives formal assurances, Jaipur is unlikely to feature in the final IPL 2026 venue list.
Wider Impact on IPL 2026 Planning
Rajasthan Royals are not the only franchise facing venue-related uncertainty. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also awaiting clarity on their home ground situation, making venue approvals a key agenda for the IPL Governing Council this season.
With the IPL expected to begin around 26 March 2026, the league is pushing franchises to lock venues quickly to avoid last-minute scheduling issues.
While Jaipur fans may feel disappointed, Rajasthan Royals are confident that Pune and Guwahati will provide strong crowd support and world-class facilities. Guwahati, in particular, has shown growing IPL enthusiasm in recent seasons.
