Treat for Kohil fans: Raipur to host 2 RCB matches this IPL

Raipur: The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to dish out a sumptuous treat for cricket fanatics and Virat Kohli faithfuls in Chhattisgarh. The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur will host two matches of defending IPL champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced on Tuesday.Addressing a programme at Kharora in Raipur, the chief minister said senior RCB officials had met him earlier in the day to finalise the hosting of matches. "RCB's top officials met me regarding the IPL matches, and two matches will be held here," Sai said."Today, a courtesy meeting was held with the joint secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, and the vice president of the IPL 2025 champion team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rajesh Menon. On this occasion, the RCB team jersey was presented, and detailed discussions were held on the possibilities and necessary arrangements for hosting the upcoming IPL matches," the CM posted on ‘X'.Earlier, RCB vice-president Rajesh Menon, accompanied by BCCI joint secretary Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, called on the chief minister to discuss the matter.Chhattisgarh State Cricket Sangh (CSCS) director Vijay Shah said the meeting was held at RCB's request ahead of the finalisation of venues. "The RCB management sought a meeting with the chief minister before finalising the venue. Accordingly, a meeting was arranged on Tuesday, during which Rajesh Menon and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia discussed in detail the hosting of two IPL matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium," Shah told TOI.RCB officials had earlier inspected the Raipur stadium during the India–South Africa ODI in December 2025 and were reportedly impressed with the infrastructure and facilities. Shah said CSCS assured the franchise that all necessary arrangements would be completed within the stipulated time frame.The Raipur stadium has previously hosted IPL matches as a home venue for the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), reinforcing its credentials as a viable IPL venue.