The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have reiterated their desire to return to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium for the IPL 2026 season, but the franchise has made it clear that it will do so only after certain “grey areas” in government guidelines are clarified. The issue centres around responsibility and liability for any incidents in or around the venue during matches.

Speaking at a press conference, Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) president Venkatesh Prasad revealed that discussions between RCB and the authorities have so far lacked comprehensive two-way communication, particularly when it comes to regulatory clarity.

RCB want clarity on responsibility and liability

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, RCB are seeking clearer interpretation of a provision that places responsibility for any untoward incident in and around the stadium on the event organisers. The franchise wants to understand how this responsibility would be shared, given that multiple stakeholders are involved, including:

• Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA)
• Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
• Karnataka state government

RCB believe ambiguity around these roles could pose operational and legal risks during the tournament.

RCB statement: ‘Fan safety is our priority’

In an official statement, RCB stressed that while playing at Chinnaswamy remains their preference, fan safety and regulatory clarity are paramount.

“While our desire is always to play at our home ground in front of our ardent fans, we want to be thorough in our commitment to further understand the conditions applicable to host matches here and the measures taken to ensure fan safety protocols are met,” the franchise said.

“From our preliminary conversations, there are still a few grey areas that need to be looked into. We are considering inputs from all stakeholders before arriving at a responsible decision for the team and our fans.”

The statement underlined RCB’s willingness to work collaboratively, but only once clear guidelines are established.

KSCA places responsibility on RCB to engage government

Earlier on Wednesday, KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad indicated that the next step lies with the franchise in terms of initiating structured dialogue with the government.

“Unless and until the government agencies were convinced about the timelines we had given them, and the work we are going to do based on the report we received, they wouldn’t have given us a go-ahead,” Prasad said.

He added that approval would depend on the authorities being satisfied with safety measures, infrastructure upgrades, and compliance with recommendations made in recent assessments of the venue.

Backup venues under consideration

Amid the uncertainty, earlier reports suggested that RCB had explored alternative venues for their home matches, including DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai and Raipur, as contingency options should approvals not arrive in time.

However, Chinnaswamy Stadium—one of the most iconic IPL venues—remains the franchise’s first choice, given its history, atmosphere, and strong home support.

What this means for IPL 2026

With IPL 2026 still months away, there is time for stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues. However, clarity on responsibilities, crowd management, and emergency protocols will be crucial before final venue confirmations are made.

For now, cricket is still expected to return to Chinnaswamy Stadium, but RCB have made it clear that certainty—not sentiment—will drive their final decision.

With the three-match ODI series evenly poised at 1-1, India and New Zealand are set to face off in the decisive third ODI at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, on January 17. As anticipation builds for the series decider, questions around India’s team combination and player roles have once again taken centre stage.

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has openly criticised the Indian team management’s handling of young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, questioning both his inclusion and clarity of role in the ODI setup. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif expressed disappointment with India’s reading of conditions, particularly in the second ODI played on a slow pitch where India opted for four pacers while New Zealand relied more effectively on spin.

“I do not understand the squad that has been picked,” Kaif said. “On a slow pitch, you played four pacers, while New Zealand, despite spin not being their strength, read the conditions better. I also do not understand Nitish Reddy’s role. The coach and management should clearly define what his job is in this team.”

Kaif questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s all-rounder tag

Kaif was particularly critical of Reddy being labelled as an all-rounder, asserting that the youngster is currently more of a specialist batter than a genuine bowling option.

“He is only a batter. He is not an all-rounder,” Kaif stated. “The faster the Indian team understands this, the better it will be for them. He does not bowl enough to be considered a sixth bowling option. At best, he is a part-time bowler.”

Kaif also pointed out that captains appear hesitant to use Reddy as a bowler, which undermines the balance of the playing XI. According to him, this lack of trust creates confusion and puts unnecessary pressure on the rest of the bowling unit.

As India looks to clinch the series in Indore, Kaif’s comments have reignited debate around team selection, player roles, and whether India needs clearer long-term planning for young players like Nitish Kumar Reddy in the ODI format.

Navi Mumbai:
UP Warriorz finally opened their account in the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 after a challenging start to the season, registering a crucial victory against Mumbai Indians Women at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on January 15. While Mumbai posted a competitive total of 161 runs, it was Harleen Deol’s composed and aggressive half-century in the run chase that turned the match in UP Warriorz’ favour.

Harleen’s innings carried added significance, coming just days after she found herself at the centre of debate following her retired out dismissal during UPW’s clash against Delhi Capitals Women. The decision, taken due to concerns over the run rate, sparked widespread discussion among fans and former cricketers alike. However, the 25-year-old responded in the best possible manner — with her bat.

Harleen Deol answers critics with match-winning knock

Chasing a target of 162, Harleen played a mature and confident knock, remaining unbeaten on 64 off 39 deliveries, striking boundaries at key moments and ensuring UP Warriorz crossed the line comfortably. Her innings showcased improved shot selection, calm under pressure, and a clear intent to anchor the chase — qualities that had been questioned after the retired out incident.

Her performance not only helped UPW secure their first win of the season, but also silenced doubts surrounding her mindset and adaptability in high-pressure situations.

Harmanpreet Kaur praises Harleen’s mentality

Following the match, Mumbai Indians skipper Harmanpreet Kaur lauded Harleen Deol’s resilience and mental strength, acknowledging her ability to bounce back from a difficult moment.

“Harleen showed what she can bring to the team. She always wants to do well. I was surprised to see her being retired out, but she came today with a positive mindset. Hopefully, she continues playing like this,” Harmanpreet said during the post-match presentation.

The remarks from one of Indian cricket’s most respected leaders further underlined the significance of Harleen’s comeback performance.

‘No point stressing over the retired out’: Harleen Deol

Awarded the Player of the Match, Harleen addressed the controversy calmly, revealing that she chose not to dwell on the previous game and instead focused on preparation and team goals.

“Feels good and happy for the team to get our first win. Even yesterday, I was batting well. Sometimes, the game situation demands something else — like how Chloe can change the scenario quickly. It didn’t go our way that day, but that’s cricket,” Harleen said.

She added:

“Nothing was different today. I got a few boundary balls, and sometimes it’s just your day. I was batting well yesterday too, so there was no point stressing over being retired out.”

A statement innings in WPL 2026

Harleen Deol’s knock stands out as one of the early defining moments of WPL 2026, highlighting the evolving tactical nature of the league, where bold decisions like retiring a batter out can come under scrutiny. More importantly, her response reinforced the importance of mental resilience in elite sport.

With confidence regained and form back on her side, Harleen will be key to UP Warriorz’ campaign as the tournament progresses.