Rajasthan Royals Demand SMS Stadium Safety Waiver Before IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals have formally demanded an indemnity waiver from the Rajasthan government before hosting IPL 2026 home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) in Jaipur, citing serious safety deficiencies identified in a 700-page independent audit by Tata Projects, with the franchise seeking legal protection from liability in case of accidents or crowd incidents during matches.
Key Takeaways
- Rajasthan Royals will only play at SMS Stadium if Rajasthan government provides indemnity waiver
- 700-page Tata Projects audit flagged serious safety and infrastructure gaps at the venue
- Rajasthan State Sports Council disputes findings, calling issues minor and fixable
- BCCI notes SMS Stadium lags behind other IPL venues in facilities and fan experience
- Standoff continues while RCB received clearance for Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium
What Triggered the Royals’ Demand?
The demand follows a comprehensive independent audit commissioned by the franchise. Tata Projects assessed the stadium’s structural integrity, emergency exits, crowd management systems, and essential amenities.
The report identified multiple deficiencies that could pose risks during high-attendance IPL matches. Royals management wants written assurance that liability rests with venue authorities for pre-existing issues beyond their control.
This cautious stance comes after the tragic crowd crush outside Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June 2025. Franchises are now prioritizing fan safety protocols more than ever.
Government Response: Minor Issues, Not Dealbreakers
The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), which manages SMS Stadium, has largely dismissed the audit’s concerns. Officials maintain that identified issues are minor and can be resolved through routine repairs.
RSSC insists the venue is fully prepared to host IPL 2026 matches. They argue that temporary dispensations granted in 2024 and 2025 should continue without additional legal safeguards.
However, Royals leadership disagrees. They view the audit findings as substantive, not superficial. The franchise believes fan safety cannot rely on promises alone.
BCCI’s Position on Venue Standards
A BCCI source confirmed ongoing concerns about SMS Stadium’s infrastructure. The venue reportedly lags behind other IPL stadiums in modern facilities, fan amenities, and overall match-day experience.
The source noted that RSSC received one-time dispensations to host matches due to the absence of a functional Rajasthan Cricket Association. But this arrangement cannot become permanent without upgrades.
BCCI emphasizes that match organization is a shared responsibility among franchise, state body, and the IPL Governing Council. All parties must acknowledge their roles in ensuring safety.
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
This standoff reflects a broader shift in Indian sports infrastructure accountability. After the Bengaluru incident, franchises are demanding clearer liability frameworks before committing to venues.
Indemnity waivers aren’t about avoiding responsibility. They’re about ensuring venue operators maintain baseline safety standards. Without such protections, franchises risk legal and reputational damage from issues they cannot control.
For fans, the outcome affects where—and if—they can watch Royals home games. A venue change could disrupt travel plans, ticketing, and local economic activity tied to match days.
Long-term, this pressure may accelerate stadium modernization across India. Franchises investing heavily in brand value will push for world-class facilities that protect both spectators and players.
What Happens Next?
With IPL 2026 approaching, time is critical. Royals and Rajasthan government must reach an agreement soon to finalize the home venue schedule.
Possible outcomes include: a signed indemnity waiver, emergency upgrades to SMS Stadium, or relocation of Royals home matches to an alternative venue like Mumbai or Delhi.
BCCI will likely mediate discussions. The league cannot afford last-minute venue chaos that disrupts broadcasting, ticketing, and fan engagement plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Rajasthan Royals demanding an indemnity waiver?
Rajasthan Royals seek legal protection from liability for accidents or incidents at SMS Stadium due to safety gaps identified in a 700-page independent audit by Tata Projects. The waiver would ensure venue authorities remain accountable for pre-existing infrastructure issues.
Is IPL 2026 at risk of being moved from Jaipur?
Yes, if no agreement is reached. Royals have stated they will only host home matches at SMS Stadium with an indemnity waiver. Alternatives include emergency venue upgrades or relocating matches to another city with BCCI approval.
What safety issues were found at SMS Stadium?
The Tata Projects audit flagged deficiencies in crowd management systems, emergency exits, structural integrity, and essential fan amenities. Specific details remain confidential, but the report is described as comprehensive and serious in its findings.