Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has lost the right to stage the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final on May 31, with the decision coming after a breakdown in talks linked to requests from local authorities and other stakeholders. IPL officials were reported to have stayed in regular contact with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), but negotiations reportedly stalled over what were described as “too high and unacceptable” demands, including requests for passes for members and politicians. The matter was further complicated by allegations and reports surrounding ticket black marketing, which triggered concerns about competition integrity and match-day operations. With all of this, the league chose Ahmedabad, where the final can be managed with tighter control and smoother logistics for one of the tournament’s most high-profile fixtures.
In the explanation shared for the change, it was stated that IPL officials remained in touch with KSCA counterparts, yet the proposed requirements—such as passes for political figures and members—were viewed as excessive. Reports of ticket black marketing were also cited as a key reason behind moving the summit clash away from Bengaluru. As a result, the venue for the IPL final was switched to Ahmedabad.
The final has typically been scheduled at the home ground of the defending champions. With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finishing as champions in the previous season, M Chinnaswamy Stadium would have been expected to host the title match. However, the BCCI said it could not hold the final in Bengaluru because of requirements from local authorities that were “beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols.”
The BCCI also confirmed that the season will culminate with the grand final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—described as the world’s largest cricket venue. The board added that, due to particular operational and logistical factors, the IPL 2026 playoffs will be staged across three different locations as a special arrangement.
Earlier on Wednesday, the BCCI released the schedule for the knockout phase of IPL 2026, with the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad set to host the final. After 70 league matches, the playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams from the points table. That match is scheduled for May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct place in the final on offer.
From there, the tournament will move to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will stage the Eliminator on May 27 between the teams placed third and fourth. The same venue will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the winner of the Eliminator will take on the loser of Qualifier 1 to decide the second finalist.
