RCB Set for Raipur Shift as CM Vishnu Deo Sai Announces IPL Return In Chhattisgarh

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Chhattisgarh received a major boost to its cricketing profile after Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai confirmed that Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium will host two Indian Premier League matches in 2026.

The venue will serve as a temporary home base for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), marking the tournament's long-awaited return to the state.

The announcement came after a high-level meeting between the Chief Minister and RCB CEO Rajesh Menon. Addressing the public, Sai stated, "We spoke to the RCB CEO (Rajesh Menon) today. He came to meet us. We have decided that two IPL matches will happen here."
Shortly after, he reiterated the development through social media, sharing details of the meeting and the exchange of an RCB jersey.

In his post on X, the Chief Minister wrote: "Today, a courtesy meeting was held with the Joint Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Mr. Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, and the Vice President of the IPL 2025 champion team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mr. Rajesh Menon. On this occasion, an RCB team jersey was presented, and detailed discussions were held regarding the possibilities and necessary arrangements for organizing upcoming IPL matches."

RCB officials are understood to have already reviewed the Raipur facility, holding meetings with the Chhattisgarh State Cricket Association to assess logistics, security, and operational readiness. With the state's top leadership confirming the move, preparations are likely to accelerate in the coming weeks.

Raipur's last IPL appearance dates back to 2013, when it hosted a clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The return of the league is poised to energize the region's growing cricket fanbase and place Chhattisgarh back on the national sporting map.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that RCB will play their remaining five home fixtures at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The shift away from Bengaluru continues to stem from safety concerns surrounding the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which was declared unfit for large gatherings after the tragic stampede during the team's victory parade last year. Despite KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad's assurance that the iconic venue would be ready for IPL matches, the outlook remains uncertain.