IPL 2026: MI block DY Patil Stadium for RCB due to THIS reason; defending champions set to explore two new venues - Reports

MI have reportedly advised RCB to explore other venue options other than DY Patil Stadium for IPL 2026

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continue their search for an alternative home venue ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai has officially been taken off the table. According to reports in Times of India, Mumbai Indians (MI) have asked RCB to “exhaust other options” before considering the Navi Mumbai venue, citing concerns over overlapping catchment areas and long-term implications for IPL franchises.

DY Patil Stadium falls within the same regional influence as the Wankhede Stadium, the long-standing home of MI. The five-time champions, it is understood, believes allowing another franchise to establish a base so close could set an unhealthy precedent for the league going forward.

With DY Patil Stadium potentially ruled out, RCB explore Raipur and Indore as alternative home venues for the 2026 season

With Navi Mumbai no longer an option, RCB have accelerated talks with other state associations. It is reliably learnt that the franchise has already held detailed discussions with the Chhattisgarh government to host at least two home matches in Raipur during the IPL 2026 season.

“If a franchise wants to establish a home base not far from the home of another franchise, it needs clearance to go ahead. It is the same catchment area. Wankhede and DY Patil are not far apart. If a franchise wants to set up a base at DY Patil, it cannot happen without approval from the one operating out of Wankhede.

MI reasoned, ‘Why only DY Patil and not any other stadium in the country? There are plenty. MI is of the opninion that RCB must exhaust other options before coming to DY Patil. There are so many non-IPL centres in the country,” explained the source.

The concern, sources add, goes beyond just one season. Allowing DY Patil could open the door for similar requests in the future, potentially blurring territorial lines between franchises.

“There are established centres like Rajkot, Pune, Raipur, Vizag and Indore. The current situation is simple, if MI says yes to DY Patil then tomorrow some other team can come and express desire to host their matches at Brabourne. It kills the sanctity of home territories. And there needs to be a strong reasoning in place why RCB is not ready to play at these centres and only interested in DY Patil,” added the source.

For the remaining fixtures, Indore has emerged as a strong contender. The Holkar Stadium, known for its batting-friendly conditions and enthusiastic crowds, is once again back in consideration.

“There were discussions when DY Patil was in the race too, but now that it is no longer there, Indore is back in the mix,” added the source.

As things stand, RCB’s temporary home for IPL 2026 is likely to be split across multiple non-IPL centres, aligning with the league’s broader vision of expanding its footprint while preserving the sanctity of established home territories.

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