Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will enter the Indian Premier League 2026 season with a major challenge. Despite winning their maiden IPL title last year, RCB will not be able to play home matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.

Following RCB’s title celebrations in June 2025, a tragic stampede outside the stadium claimed 11 lives. After the incident, authorities imposed a complete ban on cricket matches at the venue. Even so, RCB has announced a significant financial investment aimed at improving stadium safety and infrastructure.

Why RCB is investing ₹4.5 crore in the stadium

On January 16, RCB revealed via social media that it has proposed a major safety upgrade to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). The franchise plans to install 300–350 AI-powered surveillance cameras in and around the stadium.

The cameras will be used to:

• Monitor crowd movement inside and outside the stadium

• Manage queues and entry points

• Detect overcrowding situations

• Prevent illegal or unauthorised entry

• Assist security agencies in real-time crowd control

RCB has stated that it is willing to bear the entire cost of the project, estimated at around ₹4.5 crore.

‘RCB Cares’ initiative behind the decision

This safety upgrade proposal falls under RCB’s “RCB Cares” initiative, which was launched after the June 4, 2025 tragedy. The franchise said the goal is to ensure such incidents are never repeated and to support authorities with modern, technology-driven solutions.

For the implementation, RCB has partnered with Staqu, a firm known for using automation and AI in public safety and surveillance systems.

Where will RCB play IPL 2026 home matches?

With Chinnaswamy Stadium unavailable, RCB is expected to host its matches at alternative venues this season.

• Raipur, Chhattisgarh:
  Two RCB matches will be played here, as confirmed by the state’s Chief Minister.

• Pune, Maharashtra:
  The remaining matches are likely to be hosted in Pune. RCB has already held discussions with the Maharashtra Cricket Association and conducted a stadium inspection. However, an official confirmation is still awaited.