Rajasthan Royals Demand Indemnity Waiver for IPL 2026 Home Games at Jaipur
JAIPUR – The Rajasthan Royals have issued a firm ultimatum regarding the hosting of their home matches for the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise has informed the Rajasthan government that it will only proceed with games at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) if provided with an official indemnity waiver. This legal assurance would shield the team from liability regarding potential accidents or safety failures at the venue.
The demand follows a comprehensive safety assessment that highlighted significant structural and operational deficiencies at the historic stadium. Management for the Royals insists that accountability for any untoward incidents must rest solely with the venue authorities, specifically citing pre-existing shortcomings beyond the franchise’s control.
Independent Audit Reveals Critical Deficiencies
The franchise’s staunch position stems from a 700-page independent audit commissioned by the Royals and executed by Tata Projects. The report assessed the structural integrity and spectator safety protocols of the SMS Stadium.
According to sources familiar with the report, the audit identified multiple high-risk areas requiring immediate intervention. However, the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), which owns and operates the venue, has reportedly downplayed these findings.
Conflicting Safety Assessments
| Entity | Assessment | Proposed Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tata Projects (Royals Audit) | Identified serious safety deficiencies and structural risks. | Demands indemnity waiver to shift liability to venue owners. |
| Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) | Claims issues are minor and the stadium is match-ready. | Suggests routine repairs are sufficient for IPL standards. |
Security Concerns Amid Recent Tragedies
The franchise’s risk-averse approach is reportedly influenced by the crowd crush incident outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June last year. A source close to the developments stated that the Royals are unwilling to compromise on fan safety given the severity of that event.
“It is entirely reasonable for the Royals to exercise extreme caution,” the source said. “Refusing to overlook potential risks at their home venue is the only logical step in the wake of such a recent and devastating incident.”
While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured formal clearance from the Karnataka government to continue hosting matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royals remain in a deadlock with Jaipur authorities.
BCCI Highlights Infrastructure Gap
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed concerns regarding the pace of modernization at the Jaipur venue. A BCCI official noted that the SMS Stadium is “significantly lagging behind” other IPL venues regarding modern facilities, fan experience, and essential amenities.
The operational challenges are compounded by the administrative void in local cricket governance. The RSSC was granted a special dispensation to host matches in previous seasons due to the suspension of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). However, BCCI insiders argue this cannot function as a permanent solution.
- Venue Status: SMS Stadium requires upgrades to meet modern IPL standards.
- Governance: Lack of a functional RCA forces direct reliance on the State Sports Council.
- Liability: Royals refuse to accept responsibility for venue-side failures.
“It is the franchise, the state cricket body, and the IPL Governing Council that collectively organize and take responsibility for IPL matches. They need to recognize this reality,” a BCCI source added. Without the requested indemnity waiver, the schedule for the Royals’ IPL 2026 home leg remains uncertain.
For official updates on the schedule and venue confirmations, fans should monitor the official IPL website.