Pune could return to the Indian Premier League for the 2026 season, with the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) International Stadium a strong contender for hosting matches. The move comes after recent visits by IPL franchises Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals.
The MCA International Stadium in Gahunje has long been recognised as one of India’s top cricket venues, with contemporary amenities and a seating capacity suitable for high-profile tournaments. While Pune has previously hosted IPL matches and served as a temporary home for franchises, it has not been a regular venue in recent seasons.
In a tweet on X (previously Twitter), the Maharashtra Cricket Association thanked RCB and RR for visiting the venue a few weeks ago. According to the MCA, the teams’ participation contributed to the venue’s reputation as a prime destination for top-tier cricket matches. Such reconnaissance visits are used to analyse infrastructure, pitch conditions, training facilities, logistics, and overall match-hosting readiness.
We thank Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals for visiting MCA International Stadium, Gahunje, Pune, a few weeks ago. Their visit highlights the stadium’s readiness to host top-tier cricket.
With BCCI’s continued support to the Maharashtra Cricket Association, we are… pic.twitter.com/v2lhve5uyT
— Maharashtra Cricket Association (@MahaCricket) January 4, 2026
MCA confident of recieving BCCI’s approval to host IPL games
The MCA are confident about receiving the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) approval to host IPL fixtures in the near future. Emphasising the BCCI’s support, the association stated that the stadium could soon be cleared as a venue for upcoming matches involving one of the visiting franchises.
Meanwhile, the stadium has a solid track record. It last hosted an international match in January 2025, when India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, defeated England by 15 runs in a T20I. Overall, the venue has staged five T20Is, three Tests, and 12 ODIs. More recently, it successfully conducted the knockout stages of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, including the final, where Jharkhand clinched their maiden title.
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