IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals likely to opt out of Jaipur for home games

The winds of change continue to blow in the Rajasthan Royals camp. Few months earlier, the management started the squad overhaul by making a sea of changes to the coaching staff, which also saw the exit of Rahul Dravid as head coach. Then, recently, Sanju Samson left the franchise in a historic trade deal to the Chennai Super Kings who gave Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran in the exchange deal.

Now, the latest reports suggest that Jaipur shall not be the home venue for RR's games in IPL 2026. While an alternate venue hasn't been found yet, there are speculations that Pune could be the new adopted home for the Royals next season. Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) officials and RR representatives have started negotiating on the availability and feasibility of this move.

The Royals management isn't in good terms with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) and this is the primary reason for a change in home venue. RCA officials took things to the next level by raising match-fixing allegations against the RR side. It hasn't gone down well with the IPL franchise who are on the lookout for a new home venue next year.

Guwahati has already become an adopted home for RR and the strategy of hosting a few games in this venue will continue for the franchise. The current obstacle is to find a replacement for Jaipur and RR officials are optimistic about cracking the MCA deal. In fact, people from the franchise were in Pune recently for the meetings.

"Yes, they were here to find out details about the capacity of the stadium, the nature of the pitches and hotels in the city," said an MCA official while speaking to Cricbuzz.

"Our president, Mr. Rohit Pawar, is very keen that the IPL returns to the city. He is making all possible efforts."