IPL 2026 Countdown: Jaipur's SMS Stadium in Frenzied Renovation Mode
As the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) draws near, the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium in Jaipur is buzzing with activity, yet the atmosphere is far from reassuring. With the Rajasthan Royals slated to arrive for their inaugural practice session on Wednesday, the venue resembles a construction site more than a premier cricket ground. Whitewashing and sanding operations are in full swing, and critically, the installation of new floodlights remains pending, casting a shadow over preparedness.
Officials Issue Firm Assurances Amid Visible Delays
Amid these mounting concerns, Neeraj K Pawan, chairman of the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) and the state-appointed nodal coordinator for this year's IPL, has stepped forward with a definitive guarantee. He dismissed worries, emphasizing that all renovation work is being expedited and the stadium will be fully operational well before the first ball is bowled in Jaipur. "The tendering process for the floodlights is underway, with bids opening on Wednesday. We are fully confident that we will finish all the work well before the schedule of the remaining IPL 2026 matches is out," Pawan told TOI. He added that whichever of the three major companies—Philips, Bajaj, or LT—secures the contract will handle the installation, asserting that thorough preparations have been made.
Detailed Breakdown of Stadium Renovation Progress
Renovations are actively progressing, particularly in the South Block, which houses the dressing rooms. According to Pawan, this section is 80–90% complete, with 62 new air conditioning units already installed. He provided a comprehensive update: railing work is 90% finished and installed throughout, staircase work in the South Block is 90% done while the North Block is under construction. To prevent leakage, APP sheets have been laid for waterproofing in the North Block, and safety measures include increased heights for fire exits and gates. Paint work is 90% complete, and 80% of the false ceiling in the South Block is finished.
Further enhancements include the replacement of 4,000 chairs, completed retrofitting, ongoing bathroom and sanitary work, installation of air conditioning units in the South Block with others in progress, and fitting of fire sprinklers and sensors. The electrical room has been relocated, a new DG set is commissioned and in place, and all loose wires have been encased in casing for safety.
Practice Facilities and Financial Arrangements Confirmed
Regarding the upcoming practice sessions, the RSSC confirmed that all requested facilities are now functional. "Whatever they have requested, dressing rooms, toilets, is ready," Pawan stated. Financially, the council maintains a separate billing structure for the Royals' use of the main stadium ground and the RCA Academy ground for practice. Last year, rental rates were doubled, prompting the RCA ad hoc committee to explore more affordable alternatives like Nathdwara for domestic matches. "It's Rs 1.5 lakh for the main ground and Rs 25,000 for the academy ground. Everyone pays this, be it for Ranji Trophy or other matches. And for IPL matches, it's a tripartite agreement worth 1.5 crore. It's different. But for practice, we charge these rates from all," the chairman explained.
As the clock ticks down to IPL 2026, all eyes are on Jaipur to see if the SMS Stadium can transform from a construction hub to a world-class venue in time for the cricketing extravaganza.
