MCA thanks RCB and RR for Pune visit, hopes to host IPL matches soon
The Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has thanked Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for visiting the MCA International Stadium in Pune, expressing hope that the venue will soon be approved to host IPL matches. The visit marks a significant step in showcasing Pune as a premier destination for top-tier cricketing events.
MCA thanks RCB and RR for stadium visit
In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the MCA expressed gratitude to both franchises for their visit to the Pune venue a couple of weeks ago, noting that it helped highlight the stadium’s potential as a major cricket destination.
“We extend our sincere thanks to Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals for visiting MCA International Stadium, Gahunje, Pune a couple of weeks back. Their presence marks a significant step in showcasing the MCA International Stadium, Pune, as a premier destination for top-tier cricketing events,” the MCA said.
MCA confident BCCI will approve IPL matches
The MCA expressed confidence that, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) support, the stadium will soon be approved to host IPL matches for one of the visiting franchises.
“Considering BCCI’s support for the Maharashtra Cricket Association, we are sure that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will approve the MCA International Stadium as a venue for upcoming fixtures of one of these teams in the near future. With BCCI’s support, Indian Premier League (IPL) matches can soon be hosted in Pune—bringing high-profile clashes, world-class players, and the electrifying IPL spectacle to cricket fans in the city,” the MCA said.
“Maharashtra Cricket Association looks forward to welcoming big matches, big players, and unforgettable moments very soon,” the association added.
MCA Stadium’s hosting history
The MCA International Stadium last hosted a cricket match in January 2025 when India clashed with England in a T20I, where the Suryakumar Yadav-led Men in Blue defeated the Three Lions by 15 runs.
To date, the venue has hosted five T20Is, three Tests, and 12 ODIs, establishing itself as a capable venue for international cricket. However, the stadium has not hosted IPL matches in recent years, with RCB and RR typically playing their home games at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur respectively.
Pune’s IPL hosting aspirations
Pune has a history with the IPL, having been home to franchises like Pune Warriors India (2011-2013) and Rising Pune Supergiant (2016-2017). The city’s cricket fans have long hoped for the return of IPL matches to the MCA International Stadium, and the recent visits by RCB and RR have reignited those hopes.
If approved by the BCCI, Pune could become a neutral venue or alternate home ground for one of the franchises, particularly during times when their primary stadiums are unavailable due to scheduling conflicts or renovations.