Concerns Over Sawai Mansingh Stadium
In a recent turn of events, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) have expressed significant concerns over the safety and infrastructure of Sawai Mansingh Stadium for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. Despite earlier indications that they may remain in Jaipur, the franchise is now seeking guarantees before proceeding.
Public Safety Standards at Risk
Sources suggest that RR has formally communicated with the IPL chairman, BCCI secretary, and league CEO regarding the lack of “fail-safe measures” at the stadium. These communications highlight unresolved issues related to public safety and emergency evacuation readiness. An anonymous source stated, “Royals have communicated everything to the RSSC, BCCI, and IPL governing council about safety concerns at SMS Stadium.”
Need for Modernization
The SMS Stadium has not undergone significant structural updates since its renovation in 2006. As the IPL crowd sizes continue to increase annually, the franchise emphasizes that the facility must adhere to modern safety norms. RR's communication indicates the urgency of addressing these concerns.
Last Event and Compliance Issues
The last T20I hosted at SMS Stadium was in November 2021, leaving an extended period without any major events. Furthermore, with the stadium not staging an ODI in over a decade, RR believes immediate action is required. “Facilities need to be brought up to standards before the season begins on March 26,” the management remarked, highlighting the approaching deadline for compliance.
Governance Challenges
The Rajasthan Cricket Association's struggle with governance, functioning without an elected body for almost two years, poses additional challenges for maintaining IPL fixtures in Jaipur. The IPL Governing Council has previously cautioned that failure to conduct elections may jeopardize Jaipur's ability to host matches.
Possible Alternatives for the Franchise
Given these evolving concerns, RR had previously assessed alternatives, including the MCA Stadium in Pune and their secondary home in Guwahati, as potential venues. With under 45 days remaining and no resolutions in sight, Jaipur's prospects for IPL 2026 remain bleak.