Rajasthan Royals have formally requested to relocate their home base from Jaipur’s iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium to the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, ahead of the IPL 2026 season. The move follows limited hosting opportunities at Sawai Mansingh Stadium and a growing rift with the Rajasthan Cricket Association, transforming what should be a celebration of local cricket into one of the IPL’s most contentious venue disputes.
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The Breaking Point: A Relationship Beyond Repair
The tensions between Rajasthan Royals and the Rajasthan Cricket Association have reached a point of no return, fueled by accusations, administrative disputes, and a bitter disagreement over complimentary ticket allocations. During IPL 2025, a state MLA indirectly accused the team of match-fixing following their poor performance, which RR refuted and sought action against.
The Complimentary Ticket Controversy
At the heart of the dispute lies a significant reduction in ticket allocations that has infuriated RCA officials. The RCA historically received around 1,800 tickets per match, but in 2025, that number dropped to just 1,000-1,200 tickets. This sharp decline became the catalyst for a public war of words that threatened to overshadow the cricket itself.
| Aspect | Previous Arrangement | IPL 2025 Arrangement |
|---|---|---|
| Tickets to RCA | ~1,800 per match | 1,000-1,200 per match |
| Administrative Partner | Rajasthan Cricket Association | Rajasthan State Sports Council |
| RCA Status | Functioning body | Dissolved (ad-hoc committee) |
RR management stated that disgruntled members of the RCA’s ad-hoc committee were demanding excessive tickets, which the franchise refused to accommodate, calling these requests unreasonable. The BCCI had clarified that due to the RCA’s dissolution, RR would now deal directly with the Rajasthan State Sports Council for IPL arrangements, further marginalizing the cricket body’s role.
The Match-Fixing Allegations That Shocked Cricket
The conflict escalated dramatically when Jaydeep Bihani, convenor of the RCA’s ad-hoc committee and BJP MLA from Sri Ganganagar, accused Rajasthan Royals of match-fixing after their two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants. The accusation came after RR needed just nine runs from the final over with wickets in hand but collapsed spectacularly.
Bihani’s allegations extended beyond match-fixing to include complaints about RCA being sidelined from IPL management. He questioned why the district council rather than the RCA was handling arrangements, despite BCCI initially contacting the cricket association.
Rajasthan Royals responded furiously to these baseless claims. The franchise issued a strongly-worded letter rejecting all allegations and calling for action against Bihani. Deep Roy, a senior RR official, categorically dismissed the claims as “false, baseless, and without any evidence,” expressing concern over reputational damage.
The BCCI backed the franchise completely. A BCCI official stated that with the RCA dissolved and an ad-hoc committee formed amid approaching elections, there was considerable drama with everyone seeking attention, adding that the BCCI’s anti-corruption unit works around the clock and there was no truth to these allegations.
Guwahati: The Welcomed Alternative
Against this backdrop of acrimony, Guwahati has emerged as the ideal escape route for Rajasthan Royals. According to the Times of India, RR might opt for the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, as their new home base, having already played the opening two matches of IPL 2025 season there and received considerable love from fans.
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium offers several advantages that make it an attractive alternative to Jaipur:
Guwahati Stadium Advantages
| Feature | Capacity | Infrastructure | Fan Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barsapara Stadium | 40,000 | 36 corporate boxes, modern facilities | Enthusiastic northeast fanbase |
| Climate | Pleasant during IPL season | Better than Rajasthan heat | Strong local attendance |
| Administrative Support | Full ACA and state government backing | No disputes | Welcoming environment |
Ranjit Borthakur, executive chairman of Rajasthan Royals, described Barsapara stadium as one of the big venues in India and “better than most venues known,” emphasizing cricket as a unifying medium and the importance of having Guwahati as a venue given the northeast’s sporting culture.
The Northeast Cricket Revolution
The potential permanent shift to Guwahati represents more than just a venue change—it signals the IPL’s geographic expansion into India’s northeast, a region passionate about sports but historically underrepresented in cricket’s premier competition.
The ACA aggressively marketed the Barsapara stadium to BCCI and IPL franchises since 2018, with two matches initially allotted to Guwahati in 2020 but unable to be hosted as the IPL shifted to Dubai during the pandemic. The wait finally ended when RR chose Guwahati as their second home ground.
Devajit Saikia, secretary of the Assam Cricket Association, highlighted the venue’s readiness. He noted that good crowds have been witnessed in Guwahati, the weather is pleasant, and all infrastructure is in place, made possible through active support from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also a former ACA president.
The 2025 season proved Guwahati’s viability as a home venue. When RR played their first two home matches there, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Fans packed the stadium, creating an atmosphere that rivaled traditional IPL strongholds. The franchise received none of the administrative headaches that plagued their Jaipur operations.
The Punjab Kings Precedent
Rajasthan Royals wouldn’t be the first franchise to seek greener pastures due to venue dissatisfaction. Punjab Kings faced a similar situation after being unhappy with turnout at Mohali Cricket Stadium, subsequently hosting matches at the newly built PCA Stadium in Mullanpur and at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
Punjab’s experience demonstrates that IPL franchises can successfully operate across multiple venues or relocate entirely when circumstances warrant. The league’s structure allows flexibility that prioritizes fan experience and franchise viability over rigid geographic boundaries.
Multi-Venue Strategy Comparison
| Franchise | Original Home | Additional/New Venues | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | Mohali | Mullanpur, Dharamsala | Poor attendance, venue facilities |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Guwahati (potential permanent) | RCA disputes, administrative tensions |
The Financial and Strategic Calculus
The decision to potentially abandon Jaipur carries significant financial and branding implications. Rajasthan Royals have built their identity around representing Rajasthan since the IPL’s inaugural 2008 season, when they claimed the championship under Shane Warne’s captaincy.
However, the franchise appears willing to sacrifice geographic authenticity for operational peace. The constant battles with RCA officials, public match-fixing allegations, and administrative obstacles have created an untenable environment that threatens the team’s focus and reputation.
Guwahati offers a clean slate—a cricket-hungry population, supportive state government, cooperative cricket association, and modern infrastructure without the political baggage that has poisoned the Jaipur relationship.
From a commercial perspective, establishing a permanent base in Guwahati could open untapped markets across India’s northeast. The region’s 45 million people represent a largely unexplored fanbase that could become fiercely loyal to the only IPL franchise calling the area home.
The RCA’s Institutional Crisis
The Rajasthan Cricket Association’s current dysfunction extends beyond its dispute with the Royals. The RCA is currently a dissolved body, with an ad-hoc committee managing affairs amid ongoing institutional challenges. This administrative chaos has made productive partnerships nearly impossible.
The controversy reveals deeper issues within Rajasthan cricket administration. With state elections approaching and various factions competing for power, cricket has become a political football. Bihani’s match-fixing allegations, widely dismissed by cricket authorities, appear motivated more by political positioning than genuine concern for the sport’s integrity.
This institutional instability makes RR’s desire to leave entirely understandable. No professional sports franchise can thrive when local cricket authorities publicly question their integrity without evidence, demand unreasonable perks, and create constant administrative friction.
The Formalization Process and Timeline
The IPL is still four months away, and it remains to be seen whether Rajasthan Royals will shift their home base for the upcoming season. The request has been submitted to the BCCI, which must approve any permanent venue change.
The approval process involves several considerations:
- BCCI’s assessment of venue facilities and security
- Confirmation of administrative support from Assam Cricket Association
- Evaluation of commercial viability and broadcast logistics
- Input from IPL’s governing council and other franchises
Given that RR already successfully hosted matches in Guwahati during IPL 2025, the infrastructure and operational capability have been proven. The primary question is whether the BCCI views a permanent relocation as beneficial for the league’s growth and the franchise’s stability.
Fan Reactions: Loyalty vs. Logic
The potential move has generated mixed reactions among the Rajasthan Royals fanbase. Long-time supporters in Jaipur and across Rajasthan express disappointment at losing their team, viewing the departure as abandonment despite understanding the franchise’s frustrations.
Social media responses reveal the emotional complexity:
- Jaipur fans: Anger at RCA for driving the team away, sadness at losing home matches
- Guwahati fans: Excitement about potentially becoming the permanent home of an IPL franchise
- Neutral observers: Support for RR’s right to operate in a supportive environment
The franchise faces a delicate balancing act—maintaining the “Royals” identity and Rajasthan connection while building a new home in Assam. Whether they’ll rebrand as “Assam Royals” or maintain their current name remains unclear.
What This Means for IPL 2026
If approved, the shift would represent one of the most significant franchise relocations in IPL history. Unlike temporary venue changes during COVID-19 or occasional matches in secondary cities, this would be a permanent reallocation of home base driven entirely by franchise-state cricket body conflict.
The precedent could influence other franchises experiencing venue difficulties. If Rajasthan Royals can successfully relocate to a more supportive environment, other teams facing similar challenges might explore options beyond their traditional territories.
For the IPL, the move would expand the league’s footprint into India’s northeast, potentially inspiring greater youth participation and fan engagement in a cricket-passionate but underserved region. The commercial opportunities in untapped markets could offset any losses in the traditional Rajasthan base.
A Necessary Escape or Premature Abandonment?
Rajasthan Royals’ pursuit of a Guwahati homecoming represents the culmination of a relationship breakdown that began with administrative tensions and escalated through public accusations and institutional dysfunction. The franchise faces an impossible choice—endure constant friction in their traditional home or embrace a welcoming new environment at the cost of geographic identity.
Reports indicate that the inaugural IPL champions are “keen to shift their base from Jaipur to Guwahati”, suggesting the decision is likely to proceed. The warm reception in Guwahati during IPL 2025, combined with the toxic atmosphere in Jaipur, makes the logic compelling.
Whether this move proves beneficial depends on factors beyond the franchise’s control—BCCI approval, fan acceptance in both regions, and whether the Guwahati base can deliver the attendance and atmosphere that made Sawai Mansingh Stadium special during better times.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will watch whether Rajasthan Royals take the historic step of permanently relocating their home base, marking either a bold new chapter or the end of a storied association with the state that gave them their name.
Read More: IPL 2026 Countdown Begins: Franchises Set to Unveil Retentions on November 15
FAQs
Why do Rajasthan Royals want to leave Jaipur?
Rajasthan Royals are seeking to shift from Jaipur due to an ongoing dispute with the Rajasthan Cricket Association over complimentary ticket allocations, which were reduced from 1,800 to 1,000-1,200 per match. The relationship deteriorated further when RCA officials made baseless match-fixing allegations against the franchise.
Where is the Barsapara Cricket Stadium?
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium is located in Guwahati, Assam. It has a capacity of 40,000 spectators with 36 corporate boxes and modern facilities. Rajasthan Royals already played their first two IPL 2025 home matches there and received strong local support.
Have other IPL franchises changed home venues before?
Yes, Punjab Kings previously changed venues due to dissatisfaction with attendance at Mohali Cricket Stadium, now playing most home matches at the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur and some at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. However, a complete permanent relocation like RR is considering would be unprecedented.
What were the match-fixing allegations about?
After RR’s two-run loss to Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025, RCA ad-hoc committee convenor Jaydeep Bihani accused the team of match-fixing. The BCCI and franchise strongly denied these baseless allegations, with officials suggesting they stemmed from political tensions and the ticket distribution dispute.
When will the venue shift be finalized?
The IPL 2026 season is approximately four months away, and the BCCI must approve any permanent venue change. RR has submitted their request, and a decision is expected before the next season’s schedule is finalized, likely by early 2026.
