JAIPUR: The IPL 2026 season is just over a month away and yet the fate of Rajasthan Royals’ traditional home at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium (SMS) here hangs in the balance. Stadium officials face an intense race against time to address the damning findings of a recent independent audit report commissioned by the franchise, which has exposed serious deficiencies in the stadium’s ability to safely manage crowds.
The Royals obtained a comprehensive third-party evaluation by Tata Projects to address their long-standing public safety concerns. The report has confirmed what franchise officials had long suspected: serious deficiencies in life safety, structural integrity and regulatory compliance, highlighting that SMS Stadium does not meet minimum safety standards in all parameters.
700 page report: Noting several critical and high-risk safety issues detailed in the 700-page report, a source close to the matter says: “Among the most pressing concerns are serious fire and life safety failings, including the complete absence of fire escape routes in VIP areas, along with significant sections of spectator stands exceeding their designed lifespan, inadequate egress provisions, poor grounding systems and elevated risks of fire and electrocution.
“These form just one part of a long catalog of deficiencies uncovered by the independent audit commissioned by Royals and carried out by Tata Projects.”
Incidentally, on June 2 last year, just two days before the unfortunate stampede occurred in Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals had written to the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) seeking permission to conduct an audit to assess the current structural integrity and overall health of the stadium.
“The letter clearly mentioned that the franchise wanted to hire a competent agency and the trial is expected to last three to four weeks,” the source adds.
On September 12, the franchise followed up the request with another letter to the state sports council, formally initiating a comprehensive security review and highlighted the urgency of the same by citing the RCB incident and underlining proactive measures.
“The RSSC granted the permit on November 28 and the audit was carried out from December 25 to January 26. The tests were carried out in accordance with the national regulatory codes established and updated by the central government, such as the National Building Code, the National Electrical Code, the Fire Code and the Sports Field Safety Code,” say those aware of the developments.
State government writes to BCCI: In a strong show of support for the stadium, Rajasthan Chief Secretary V Srinivas wrote directly to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, assuring senior officials that the safety of spectators remains the state government’s top priority.
“With reference to the upcoming IPL season, I have learned that Rajasthan Royals, the home franchise of Rajasthan, have raised certain concerns regarding the security of the SMS Stadium. I wish to reiterate that the safety of the spectators is paramount to the state government. I would like to categorically state that there is no issue related to the security or structural integrity of the stadium infrastructure,” the letter reads.
“The Government of Rajasthan constituted a very high-level committee to thoroughly examine all aspects related to the safety of the stadium. The committee consisted of senior professors from MNIT, one of the prestigious engineering and technology institutes of the Government of India, senior officials of the Government of Rajasthan, engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and other experts in the field. The committee has submitted its report and has found that the stadium is completely safe. However, the committee has made certain suggestions for minor improvements, and The government is fully committed to completing all the recommended works on time before the start of the IPL season,” the letter mentioned.
Defending the stadium amid security concerns, RSSC president Neeraj K Pawan said authorities feel the necessary fixes are manageable. “The issues identified are largely minor in nature and can be addressed promptly. This includes repairing and upgrading fire escapes, strengthening structural safety in the South Block, further refining the evacuation plan, replacing outdated floodlights, adjusting seating arrangements and improving alleys, corridors and entry and exit points. We have enough time and resources to complete these works before the IPL season begins,” says Pawan.