RCA requests BCCI to retain Sawai Mansingh Stadium as IPL venue

The Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) has requested to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to retain Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium as one of the venues for IPL 2026. 

The RCA has assured the BCCI, IPL, and Rajasthan Royals that it will implement "all necessary safety measures without exception” well in advance and as per “the BCCI guidelines, applicable government regulations, and best international practices."

The DD Kumawat-led ad hoc committee, appointed by the Rajasthan Government, has also written to the BCCI and IPL, expressing its commitment towards working professionally with the Rajasthan Royals, the BCCI, and other concerned stakeholders.

"The RCA remains fully committed to working constructively with the Rajasthan Royals, the BCCI, and all stakeholders to resolve any concerns promptly and professionally, in the larger interest of the game,” the letter read as per Cricbuzz.

The committee confirmed that it will address Royals’ concern regarding the shifting of their home games in Pune, for which they had approached the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) last year.

"It has been brought to our attention that the Rajasthan Royals franchise has expressed certain concerns regarding infrastructure at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and has sought consideration of alternative venues. While the importance of safety and infrastructure compliance is fully acknowledged, it is necessary to state that any technical or safety assessment of a government-owned stadium must be undertaken strictly within the established regulatory framework and in coordination with the statutory authorities.

"In this regard, the RCA was neither informed of nor associated with the third-party assessment reportedly commissioned by the franchise. The RCA wishes to state unequivocally that the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is structurally sound and operationally safe. The stadium has successfully hosted IPL matches for nearly two decades, in addition to numerous domestic and international fixtures."

The letter also highlighted that the RCA has successfully hosted domestic games, including the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy. Jaipur also hosted the fixtures in which Rohit Sharma featured, with over 20,000 in attendance.

"Most recently, Vijay Hazare Trophy matches were conducted at the venue with large spectator attendance and without any safety or security incidents, further reaffirming its readiness to host high-profile events,” it added.

The letter further highlighted the cricketing significance of Jaipur, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, and the support that cricket has received in the state.

"Jaipur has historically been, and continues to be, the home venue of the Rajasthan Royals, and the people of Rajasthan have consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the franchise. The RCA remains fully committed to working constructively with the Rajasthan Royals, the BCCI, and all stakeholders to resolve any concerns promptly and professionally, in the larger interest of the game.

"In view of the above, we respectfully request the BCCI to allocate the home matches of the Rajasthan Royals to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, for the forthcoming IPL season. The RCA assures its complete cooperation and proactive engagement to ensure the smooth, secure, and successful conduct of IPL 2026 in Jaipur."