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. Whichever of the three big companies — Philips, Bajaj or LT— gets the contract, they will handle it.
We have done our homework,” he told TOI.
Renovations are also underway in the stadium’s South Block, which houses the dressing rooms.
“That’s 80–90% complete. Sixty two new AC units have been installed. Let me give you the full breakdown. Railing work is 90% finished and is installed all around, staircase work in South is 90% done while in North it’s currently under construction. For waterproofing, APP sheets have been laid in the North block to prevent leakage, for safety, the heights of the fire exits and gates have been increased, paint work is 90% complete, 80% of the false ceiling in the South block is done.
“So far, 4,000 chairs have been replaced, retrofitting is done, bathroom and sanitary work is partially complete and currently ongoing. ACs in the South are in; others are being installed. Fire sprinklers and sensors are fitted. The electrical room has been relocated, and the new DG set is now commissioned and is in place. Also, all loose wires have been encased in casing,” the chairman stated.
Regarding the upcoming practice sessions, the RSSC confirmed that all requested facilities are now functional.
“Whatever they have requested, dressing rooms, toilets, is ready,” added Neeraj K Pawan.
Royals to pay for practice: The RSSC maintains a separate billing structure for the Royals for their use of the main stadium ground and the RCA Academy ground for practice. Last year, the council doubled these rental rates, a move that initially prompted the RCA ad hoc committee to scout more affordable alternative venues, such as Nathdwara, for hosting 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 chairperson added.
