IPL 2026 Final Venue Shift: KSCA Awaits Official Clarification
KSCA Seeks Official Communication
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) spokesperson, Vinay Mruthyunjaya, has stated that they have yet to receive any formal notification regarding the relocation of the IPL 2026 final from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Change in IPL 2026 Final Venue
Originally, Bengaluru was set to host the IPL 2026 final. However, the IPL announced the playoff schedule on Wednesday, confirming that the championship match will now take place at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31.
BCCI's Authority and Historical Context
Mruthyunjaya emphasized that the decision to move the IPL final rests solely with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He acknowledged that while it is customary for the previous season's champion's home ground to host the final, concerns arose regarding M Chinnaswamy Stadium following a tragic incident during the Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title celebrations on June 4, 2025, which resulted in 11 fatalities. He stated, "The BCCI has the ultimate authority, and the state association cannot dictate the hosting of playoff matches. Traditionally, the previous season's winner's venue hosts the final, but challenges at Chinnaswamy Stadium have been noted."
KSCA Preparedness for Hosting
Despite facing challenges, the KSCA successfully organized five matches for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru during the IPL 2026 season. They have submitted a comprehensive report to the BCCI detailing the successful conduct of these matches. Mruthyunjaya mentioned that the KSCA had expressed its readiness to host the playoffs and final in Bengaluru but was later informed of the venue change. He remarked, "We conducted five matches successfully for the RCB franchise and communicated our preparedness to host the playoff and final matches. However, we were informed today that the matches will not be held in Bangalore."
IPL's Justification for Venue Change
In its official statement, the IPL explained that although Bengaluru was initially slated to host the final, the venue was changed due to specific conditions raised by local authorities and the association that did not meet the BCCI's established guidelines. The IPL stated, "Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, due to certain local requirements that fell outside the BCCI's established protocols, the venue has been reassigned."
Revised IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule
The IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams, is scheduled for May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. Following this, the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh will host the Eliminator on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will compete against the winner of the Eliminator to determine the second finalist. The season will culminate with the final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.