Summary
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially released the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. In a surprising turn of events, the city of Jaipur has been completely left out of the initial list of venues. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium, which serves as the traditional home ground for the Rajasthan Royals, will not host any matches during the opening weeks of the tournament. Instead, the team will play its home games in Guwahati, leaving local fans in Rajasthan disappointed.
Main Impact
The decision to move matches away from Jaipur has a significant impact on both the fans and the local economy. For years, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium has been the heart of cricket in Rajasthan, drawing thousands of spectators for every home game. By shifting the first phase of matches to Guwahati, the Rajasthan Royals are effectively moving their base to Northeast India for the start of the season. This change means that local supporters in Jaipur will miss out on the early excitement of the tournament, while businesses near the stadium, such as hotels and restaurants, will lose out on the usual surge of customers that comes with match days.
Key Details
What Happened
When the BCCI announced the dates and locations for the first part of the IPL 2026 season, many expected Jaipur to be a key venue. However, the schedule revealed that the Rajasthan Royals would be playing their home matches at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. This move is part of a strategy to bring high-level cricket to different parts of the country, but it comes at the cost of the team's primary home base. The shift means the "Pink City" will remain quiet during the first few weeks of the world's most popular T20 league.
Important Numbers and Facts
The first phase of the IPL usually covers the first few weeks of the tournament, involving around 20 to 25 matches across various cities. In this specific announcement, the Rajasthan Royals have been allotted multiple games in Guwahati. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium has a seating capacity of about 30,000 people, all of whom will now have to wait for the second phase of the schedule to see if cricket returns to their city. The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, which will host the games, has become a regular "second home" for the franchise over the last few seasons, but this is the first time it has completely replaced Jaipur in the opening phase.
Background and Context
The Rajasthan Royals have always had a strong connection with Jaipur. It is where they won the very first IPL title in 2008. However, in recent years, the franchise has worked hard to grow its fan base in Northeast India. By playing games in Guwahati, the team aims to reach a new audience and promote cricket in a region that does not often host major international or IPL events. While this helps the sport grow nationally, it often creates a conflict with the loyal fan base in Rajasthan. The BCCI often releases the IPL schedule in two or more parts to manage logistics, security, and other national events, which leaves some hope for cities that are missed in the first round.
Public or Industry Reaction
The reaction from cricket fans in Jaipur has been one of shock and sadness. Many took to social media to express their frustration, noting that they had already started planning to buy tickets and arrange travel. Local cricket clubs and young players who look forward to watching their heroes practice at the SMS Stadium are also feeling the loss. On the other hand, cricket enthusiasts in Assam and the surrounding northeastern states are thrilled. The arrival of the IPL in Guwahati is seen as a major sporting event for the region, and tickets are expected to sell out quickly as fans there get a rare chance to see global stars in person.
What This Means Going Forward
The main question now is whether Jaipur will be included in the second phase of the IPL 2026 schedule. The BCCI typically announces the remaining matches after considering various factors like weather and travel. If the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is included in the later half of the tournament, Jaipur fans might still get to see the playoffs or the final few league games. For the Rajasthan Royals, the challenge will be to perform well in Guwahati and build a "home" atmosphere in a different state. They will need to ensure that the move does not affect their performance on the field, as the support of a home crowd is often a big advantage in the IPL.
Final Take
The exclusion of Jaipur from the first phase of IPL 2026 marks a major shift in how the tournament is organized. While it is great to see cricket expanding to the Northeast, the fans in Rajasthan are paying the price for this growth. The Rajasthan Royals must now balance their identity between two different homes. Everyone in Jaipur will be watching the next schedule announcement closely, hoping that the gates of the Sawai Mansingh Stadium will eventually open for the 2026 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jaipur not hosting any IPL matches in the first phase?
The BCCI and the Rajasthan Royals decided to hold the first phase of home matches in Guwahati to promote the game in Northeast India. The full reasons for skipping Jaipur in the first part have not been officially detailed, but it is often due to scheduling and venue rotation.
Where will the Rajasthan Royals play their home games instead?
The Rajasthan Royals will play their home matches at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati during the first phase of the 2026 season.
Will Jaipur get any matches in the second phase of the IPL?
There is a possibility that Jaipur will host matches in the second phase of the tournament. The BCCI will release the rest of the schedule at a later date, which will clarify if the Sawai Mansingh Stadium will be used.