Rajasthan Royals Demand Government Indemnity for Fan Safety at SMS Stadium Ahead of IPL 2026
The Rajasthan Royals have taken a definitive stand on prioritizing fan safety for IPL 2026, declaring they will only host home matches at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) if the Rajasthan government provides a formal indemnity waiver. This crucial assurance would legally shield the franchise from liability in case of any accidents, untoward incidents, or loss of life during their home games.
Audit Reveals Serious Stadium Deficiencies
This firm demand originates from a comprehensive 700-page independent audit commissioned by the Royals and executed by Tata Projects. The detailed assessment meticulously evaluated the stadium's current condition and uncovered significant safety deficiencies that require urgent attention. The audit's findings have placed the franchise in a position where they feel compelled to seek absolute clarity on accountability.
The Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC), however, has largely dismissed the majority of the audit's safety concerns. Following its own review, the RSSC maintains that the identified issues are minor and can be rectified with routine repairs. The council asserts that the stadium is fully prepared and equipped to handle IPL duties without major overhauls.
Heightened Caution After Bengaluru Tragedy
A source familiar with the situation emphasized that the Royals' caution is entirely reasonable, especially in the wake of the tragic crowd crush outside Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium in June last year. "It is obvious for the franchise to refuse to overlook potential risks at their home venue following such a recent and devastating incident," the source stated. This tragedy has heightened awareness and prompted franchises to enforce stricter safety protocols.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently navigating venue uncertainties for both the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026. While the defending champions RCB have now received formal clearance from the Karnataka government to host their matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Royals remain locked in a standoff regarding their Jaipur base.
SMS Stadium Lagging Behind Other IPL Venues
A BCCI source has highlighted persistent issues at SMS Stadium, describing it as "significantly lagging behind all other IPL venues in terms of modern facilities, overall fan experience, and essential amenities." This assessment underscores the broader challenges beyond immediate safety concerns.
The source further clarified that the RSSC received a one-time dispensation to host matches in 2024 due to the absence of a functional Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), with this arrangement extended for the 2025 season. However, this cannot evolve into a permanent solution. "It is the franchise, the state cricket body, and the IPL Governing Council that collectively organize and take responsibility for IPL matches. They need to recognize this reality," the source added, stressing the need for a structured and accountable framework.
The ongoing impasse places significant pressure on all stakeholders to resolve the safety and accountability issues promptly to ensure the smooth hosting of IPL 2026 matches in Jaipur. The Royals' insistence on an indemnity waiver reflects a broader shift in sports management towards prioritizing spectator safety and clear liability structures in the aftermath of recent stadium incidents.
