The BCCI has delayed announcing the IPL 2026 schedule due to Rajasthan Royals’ refusal to commit to playing at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium without an indemnity waiver from the state government, following a 700-page audit report by Tata Projects that flagged serious safety and infrastructure deficiencies.
Concerns heightened after the Bengaluru stampede tragedy that claimed 11 lives during RCB’s IPL victory celebration.
The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) has dismissed most safety concerns raised in the audit, claiming the venue is ready to host IPL matches, barring minor repairs.
BCCI’s Stern Warning on Stadium Standards
A BCCI source revealed that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium “significantly lags behind other IPL venues on modern facilities and overall fan experience,” emphasizing that safety protocols are non-negotiable for the league.
“Safety and security protocols, fan experience, and overall comfort of people and families coming to watch matches at SMS Stadium are paramount to IPL and are non-negotiable,” the BCCI source stated.
The standoff has intensified with RR seeking legal protection through an indemnity waiver before agreeing to play in Jaipur.
The BCCI had previously warned the RSSC against direct liaison with state authorities, noting that special permission was granted only for IPL 2024 and 2025 due to the absence of a functioning Rajasthan Cricket Association, currently being run by an ad-hoc body.
With the IPL 2026 auction already completed and team compositions finalized, the scheduling delay creates significant logistical challenges for the tournament organizers.
