The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has taken a significant stride towards bringing Indian Premier League (IPL) action back to Pune. This follows recent inspection visits by two major IPL franchises, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), to the MCA International Stadium in Gahunje.
Franchise Interest Marks a Premier Step
In an official social media post on January 4, 2026, the state cricket body expressed its gratitude to the two teams. The MCA stated that the presence of RCB and RR marks a crucial move in positioning the Pune venue as a top-tier destination for elite cricket events. The association believes these visits effectively showcased the stadium's capabilities and readiness to host high-profile matches.
"We extend our sincere thanks to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals for visiting MCA International Stadium, Gahunje, Pune a couple of weeks back," the MCA posted on X. The association highlighted that this step is vital for promoting their world-class facility.
Confidence in BCCI Approval for IPL 2026
Bolstered by the franchise interest, the MCA has expressed strong confidence in securing the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) nod to host IPL matches soon. The association's statement directly linked the visits to future IPL fixtures, anticipating approval for one of these teams to use the stadium as a home venue in the near future.
"Considering BCCI's support for the Maharashtra Cricket Association, we are sure that... the Board... will approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for upcoming fixtures of one of these teams," the post read. This move would bring the electrifying IPL spectacle, featuring world-class players and high-stakes clashes, directly to Pune's passionate cricket fans.
Proven Track Record and Future Vision
The MCA Stadium is no stranger to major cricket. Its recent hosting duties included the knockout stage of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, where Jharkhand clinched their maiden title by defeating Haryana in the final. The venue's last international match was a T20I between India and England in January 2025, which India won by 15 runs under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership.
The stadium's overall credentials are solid, having hosted:
- 5 T20 Internationals
- 3 Test matches
- 12 One Day Internationals
Looking ahead, the Maharashtra Cricket Association ended its communication on an optimistic note, stating it eagerly anticipates "welcoming big matches, big players, and unforgettable moments very soon." The visits from RCB and RR have clearly ignited hopes for the stadium's inclusion in the IPL 2026 roster, marking a potential new chapter for cricket in Pune.
