The Chinnaswamy Stadium ban for IPL is official, and your beloved Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won’t be gracing their iconic turf this season. Yes, after clinching their first-ever IPL crown last year, RCB will start their title defence in a brand-new setting.

RCB New Home Ground for IPL 2026：Splitting the Home Games

So, where exactly are the defending champions headed? RCB have decided on a dual strategy. Five of their home matches in IPL 2026 new venue action will be played at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, with the remaining two hosted at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.

This marks a significant shift for the team, who have called the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium home since 2008. Fans will be saying goodbye to the sea of red, but it’s also an opportunity for cricket lovers in Navi Mumbai and Raipur to experience RCB’s magic live.

Why M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Ban for IPL？

The decision to move comes after a heartbreaking event. Last year, celebrations for RCB’s IPL 2025 victory turned tragic when a stampede outside the stadium claimed multiple lives and left many more injured. In the wake of this, authorities imposed the Chinnaswamy Stadium ban for IPL, citing safety concerns and lapses in crowd control. While investigations and discussions have been ongoing, the franchise has made it clear: returning to Bengaluru isn’t on the cards for IPL 2026. Player welfare, fan safety, and peace of mind have taken precedence.

🚨 Horrifying visuals coming from Bengaluru!

At least 7 dead and 15 injured in a stampede-like situation near Chinnaswamy Stadium.#Stampede #chinnaswamystadium pic.twitter.com/kUdESqQom5

— Beats in Brief 🗞️ (@beatsinbrief) June 4, 2025

DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai is a familiar friend in the IPL circuit, with world-class facilities and a track record of hosting high-profile matches. Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, meanwhile, adds a touch of novelty, bringing top-level cricket back to central India. With the split of matches, RCB fans will need to travel a bit—or enjoy following the action from afar. Either way, the RCB new home ground setup promises excitement, fresh fan experiences, and a safe environment for everyone involved.

Not Just RCB on the Move

RCB aren’t the only ones packing up their bags. Rajasthan Royals (RR) are also embracing a fresh chapter, shifting their home games to Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium. Like RCB, they’ve faced challenges with their traditional venue, making safety and administrative harmony key motivators. Both moves highlight the wider reshuffling in the league’s logistics, and they underscore how IPL teams are prioritising more than just cricket on the field.

The Emotional Farewell

It’s hard to overstate the emotional weight of leaving Chinnaswamy Stadium. For over a decade, it’s been the fortress of RCB, a place where dreams soared and cricketing legends were cheered on in unison. Fans will feel the absence deeply. But with RCB new home ground experiences in Navi Mumbai and Raipur, there’s hope for new traditions, fresh cheers, and more moments to remember.

🚨 NEW HOME GROUND OF RCB IN IPL 2026. 🚨

– RCB likely to play their home matches at the DY Patil Stadium and in Raipur.

RCB to play 5 matches in Navi Mumbai and 2 in Raipur. (Gaurav Gupta/TOI). pic.twitter.com/sVHpaDpB2X

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 13, 2026

So, whether you’re a die-hard Bengaluru supporter or just a lover of the game, IPL 2026 is shaping up to be a season of change, adaptation, and new memories. The IPL 2026 new venue strategy might initially feel strange, but it could also be the start of an exciting chapter for RCB, their fans, and the wider IPL community. And who knows? These new grounds might just become as iconic as Chinnaswamy someday.