Rajasthan Royals have officially agreed to host four of their seven IPL 2026 home matches at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, and the remaining three fixtures are scheduled at Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium after Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s intervention resolved a months-long deadlock over safety concerns at the stadium.
Split-Home Strategy: Four in Jaipur, Three in Guwahati
The agreement follows a high-level meeting between Royals chairperson Ranjit Barthakur and CM Sharma.
Previously, Jaipur typically hosted five matches, but this arrangement sees one additional game shifted to Guwahati.
The franchise had threatened complete relocation to Pune after raising serious safety concerns.
The primary catalyst for friction was a comprehensive 700-page independent audit conducted by Tata Projects that highlighted “severe deficiencies” in fire safety and structural integrity at SMS Stadium.
Citing the tragic 2025 Bengaluru stampede that claimed 11 lives, RR initially refused to play in Jaipur without an indemnity waiver shielding the franchise from legal liability.
BCCI Backs Franchise on Safety Protocols
While the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) initially downplayed concerns as “minor issues,” CM Sharma’s intervention proved decisive.
The state government committed to addressing structural problems, prompting RSSC to initiate immediate repair and upgrade works to meet modern IPL standards.
The administrative void caused by the suspended Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) complicated matters, forcing the franchise to deal with an ad hoc committee.
The BCCI supported RR’s stance, emphasizing that fan experience and safety protocols are non-negotiable.
The compromise helps the government avoid the political and economic blow of losing IPL entirely, while Northeast fans celebrate Guwahati gaining an additional match, cementing Barsapara Stadium as a vital cricket hub.
