SMS Stadium's IPL 2026 Timeline Moves Forward as Authorities Accelerate Project Completion
Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium is still under heavy renovation ahead of IPL 2026, with floodlights and construction work ongoing. Despite concerns, officials insist it will be ready in time. Most facilities are nearing completion.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals will pay standard practice fees as preparations continue amid a race against time.
JAIPUR: With the 19th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) just around the corner, Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Stadium is a hive of activity, but the scene is far from reassuring. While the Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to arrive for their first practice session on Wednesday, the stadium itself looks like a construction site. Whitewashing and sanding are still in full swing across, and even the new floodlights are yet to be installed.
The only thing that looks ready is the ground. Everything else suggests a frantic race against time. However, amid these concerns, Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) chairman Neeraj K Pawan, who has also been appointed as the nodal coordinator by the state govt for this year’s IPL, has stepped in with a firm assurance.
He dismissed the concerns, stating that all work is being fast-tracked and the stadium will be fully operational and match-ready 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.