India, Feb. 11 -- Royals are now expected to keep Jaipur as a home base for IPL 2026 - but only if the city can deliver on the basics before the first ball is bowled. After weeks of uncertainty and exploratory conversations with other states, the franchise's preferred outcome has shifted back toward staying put, with the Sawai Mansingh Stadium's readiness emerging as the decisive clause.

The Royals' position is simple: home is home, but not at the cost of a sub-par matchday product. With the season scheduled to begin on March 26 and run till May 31, the clock is already loud enough to be heard from the upper tiers at SMS - roughly a month-and-a-half window to get the venue in shape.

As reported by Cricbuzz, the sticking point isn't sent...