IPL 2026 Playoffs: Ahmedabad to Host Final Amid Ticket Controversy

The IPL 2026 playoffs are set to take place in Ahmedabad, with the final scheduled for May 31. This decision comes amid a ticket controversy involving Karnataka MLAs, who are demanding complimentary tickets. The BCCI has shifted the venue due to operational challenges, leaving Bengaluru out of the playoff picture. Find out more about the playoff schedule and the reasons behind this significant change.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 6, 2026, 13:25 IST

IPL 2026 Reaches Crucial Stage

The IPL 2026 season is nearing its conclusion, with teams having completed 9 or 10 of their 14 league matches. Although the league stage schedule was released earlier, the playoff dates and venues were still pending. Initially, it was anticipated that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions, would host the final at their home ground, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31 (Sunday). Notably, none of the playoff matches will occur in Bengaluru.

Reasons for the Venue Change

Why IPL Final Is Being Held In Ahmedabad Instead Of Bengaluru

The BCCI has officially stated that the IPL 2026 playoffs will be conducted in Ahmedabad. Qualifier 1 is set for the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala, while the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will take place at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in New Chandigarh. The BCCI explained that Bengaluru was initially slated to host the final, but due to 'requirements from local associations and authorities' that were beyond their control, the venue had to be changed. They noted, "Due to certain operational and logistical considerations, IPL 2026 Playoffs will be held across three venues this season as a special case. Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, due to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned." The Karnataka government's decision to mandate complimentary tickets for all MLAs appears to be a significant factor in this decision.

Ticket Controversy Involving Karnataka MLAs

What Is The Ticket Issue Involving Karnataka MLA's?

As the IPL 2026 opener approached, Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar requested five IPL tickets for each MLA, arguing that elected officials should not have to queue for tickets. In response, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that three tickets for RCB matches would be allocated to MLAs and MPs. However, these tickets are non-transferable, allowing only the MLAs or their family members to attend the matches. A source from the BCCI indicated that the ticket situation involving MLAs is a significant obstacle, and if a resolution isn't reached, the final may need to be relocated. The source stated, "Last time the winner should get to host the final, but the whole MLA tickets issue is getting out of control in Bengaluru, and if it doesn’t come to a mid-point, then BCCI will move the final to another venue."

IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule

Qualifier 1 – May 26 – HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
Eliminator – May 27 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2 – May 29 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Final – May 31 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad