MI Denied RCB To Play Their IPL Matches At DY Patil Stadium

The Mumbai Indians have refused to give a No Objection Certificate to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for hosting IPL 2026 home matches at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

In January, reports suggested that RCB were unsure about returning to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium after the Bengaluru stampede. The franchise explored the option of shifting its base for IPL 2026. DY Patil emerged as a preferred venue. However, new developments indicate that MI have blocked that move and asked RCB to look at other venues first.

MI Deny Permission to RCB to Host Matches in Navi Mumbai

According to a report in The Times of India, a source close to the matter said MI want RCB to consider other stadiums across the country. The franchise believes that several non IPL centres can host matches without creating territorial overlap.

Since DY Patil lies close to the Wankhede Stadium, which serves as MI’s home ground, clearance from MI becomes necessary. Both venues fall within the same catchment area. MI questioned why RCB focused only on DY Patil and not on other available options.

The source explained that if one franchise sets up a base near another team’s home ground, it needs formal approval. MI feel that allowing RCB to operate from Navi Mumbai could weaken the concept of exclusive home territories.

The report also mentioned alternative venues such as Vizag, Rajkot, Pune, Raipur and Indore. These centres have hosted major matches in the past and can support IPL games. MI believe RCB should provide strong reasons if they want to skip these options and move directly to DY Patil.

The source added that if MI approve this request, other teams might later seek permission to host matches at the Brabourne Stadium, which also stands close to Wankhede. That could create similar disputes in the future.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Cricket Association awaits the state government’s decision on hosting matches at Chinnaswamy. A meeting led by Home Minister G. Parameshwara will decide the next step. Authorities carried out renovation work at the stadium based on recommendations from the Justice Cunha Committee after the stampede incident.

RCB and KSCA currently hold conditional approval to stage matches in Bengaluru. The franchise now weighs its options as IPL 2026 preparations continue.