Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their first-ever IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a historic final. Virat Kohli celebrates emotional victory.

Finally, in 2025, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) took home their first Indian Premier League (IPL) championship. As the team overcame the Punjab Kings, headed by Shreyas Iyer, in the final to win the trophy, Virat Kohli broke down in tears.

There is a sizable fan base for the franchise worldwide, especially in Bengaluru. But it appears that they may need to change bases in the 2026 Indian Premier League.

According to reports, Pune is in negotiations to host the reigning IPL champions in the competition’s upcoming edition, according to Kamlesh Pisal, secretary of the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA).

IPL2026: Will RCB Locate a New Residence in Pune?

The Times of India reported that MCA secretary Kamlesh Pisal stated that they had offered to host the RCB in Pune:

“The idea of Pune hosting RCB games is being discussed, but it hasn’t been finalized yet. The stampede that occurred has caused them to have an issue in Karnataka. They’re searching for a location, and we’ve given them our stadium. Preliminary negotiations are underway, and a few technical issues need to be resolved. If everything goes according to plan, Pune would most likely host the games.

Also read : BCCI Instructs Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli to Play Domestic ODIs

In case you were unaware, the RCB’s home venue, the M. Chinnaswamy stadium, was suspended following the tragic stampede that occurred during the team’s championship parade earlier this year.

Pune has previously hosted IPL games as the home field of two (now-defunct) teams: the Rising Pune Supergiants (2016–2017) and Pune Warriors India (2011–2013).

RCB is available for purchase.

In addition to having their home ground suspended at the present, RCB is also for sale.

As of this writing, no new owners have been identified; however, the existing owners anticipate that the transaction will be finalized by the end of March of next year.

In their first-ever title defense, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru appear to be making significant changes, although it is unclear how exactly things will work out.