IPL 2026: Rajasthan Royals to Host Four Home Games in Jaipur, Three in Guwahati Following Safety Accord
JAIPUR – The Rajasthan Royals (RR) have resolved a critical standoff regarding venue safety and liability, confirming the franchise will host four home matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) in Jaipur and three at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season.
This decision follows high-level discussions between Royals chairperson Ranjit Barthakur and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The meeting successfully addressed the franchise’s concerns regarding infrastructure liabilities, preventing a potential full relocation of matches from the state capital.
Revised Home Venue Allocation
The agreement marks a strategic shift in the Royals’ home schedule. While the franchise has historically treated Guwahati as a secondary home, the 2026 arrangement increases the northeastern city’s allocation.
- Jaipur (SMS Stadium): 4 Matches
- Guwahati (Barsapara Stadium): 3 Matches
Previously, the Royals typically hosted five games in Jaipur and two in Guwahati. The new 4-3 split reflects both the resolution of safety disputes in Jaipur and the franchise’s expanding footprint in the North East.
Comparison of Home Match Allocation
| Venue | Typical Previous Allocation | IPL 2026 Allocation | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur) | 5 Matches | 4 Matches | -1 |
| Barsapara Stadium (Guwahati) | 2 Matches | 3 Matches | +1 |
The Safety Audit and Liability Standoff
The negotiations were necessitated by a rigorous 700-page independent audit conducted by Tata Projects. The report identified significant deficiencies in the infrastructure and safety standards at the SMS Stadium. Citing these findings, the Royals management requested an indemnity waiver from the state government, refusing to bear liability for potential mishaps resulting from existing structural flaws.
Initially, the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) characterized the issues as minor maintenance requirements. However, the comprehensive data provided by the audit forced a re-evaluation. The standoff threatened the hosting rights of Jaipur until the Chief Minister’s intervention bridged the gap.
Government Commitment and Infrastructure Upgrades
Following the consensus, the Rajasthan state government has committed to immediate infrastructure upgrades. The RSSC has initiated repair works to align the stadium with the safety protocols mandated by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
A source close to the development stated, "The decision has been taken to host four matches in Jaipur and three in Guwahati. The government demonstrated commitment to addressing the Royals’ concerns while ensuring the IPL remains in the state."
Strategic Implications for the Royals
Hosting three matches in Guwahati allows the Royals to deepen their connection with fans in Assam and the North East, a region that has provided the franchise with talent such as Riyan Parag. Meanwhile, retaining four matches in Jaipur ensures the team maintains its core base at the "Fortress" SMS, where they have historically maintained a strong win percentage.
For more official updates on fixtures and venue details, fans can check the official ESPN Cricinfo cricket logs or the IPL portal.