Ahmedabad Selected for IPL 2026 Final Due to Capacity and Revenue Potential

BCCI Chooses Ahmedabad for IPL 2026 Final

Rajeev Shukla, Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), announced on Monday that Ahmedabad has been selected as the venue for the IPL 2026 final. The decision was influenced by the stadium's large seating capacity, which allows for a greater number of spectators and significant revenue generation. In response to comments from Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate, DK Shivakumar, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI prioritizes venues with larger capacities for major matches like playoffs and finals.

"The playoff matches are organized by the BCCI, and we aim to host significant events, such as finals, in stadiums that can accommodate a large audience. This approach maximizes revenue and spectator attendance," Shukla stated. He highlighted that Ahmedabad's capacity of over 100,000 makes it an ideal choice for such events.

Shivakumar Voices Concerns

Following the announcement, Shivakumar expressed disappointment, asserting that while no injustice was done to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka were deprived of the opportunity to host the IPL final in their city. As the defending champions, RCB was initially expected to hold the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but the BCCI later moved the event to Ahmedabad.

"No injustice has been done to RCB, but the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka have been affected. The IPL final was meant to be played here, but it has been shifted to Ahmedabad. We are starting anew, leaving past grievances behind," Shivakumar remarked.

Ticket Demand Influences Venue Decision

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the decision to relocate the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad was influenced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association's request for complimentary tickets that exceeded the allowed quota. According to IPL regulations, the defending champions are entitled to host the final and one playoff match at their home ground, making Bengaluru the logical choice after RCB's title win last season. However, the BCCI opted to change the venue due to what they termed excessive ticket demands from the state association.

Saikia clarified that host associations are permitted to request only 15% of the stadium's seating capacity as complimentary tickets. He added, "The BCCI and IPL have announced the venues for the playoff matches. We have selected three venues: Dharamshala for the first playoff match, followed by two matches in New Chandigarh, with the final scheduled for May 31st at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad."

RCB Secures Back-to-Back Titles

In a thrilling final held in Ahmedabad, RCB triumphed in IPL 2026, led by a remarkable performance from Virat Kohli, who scored 75 runs off 42 balls. RCB successfully chased down a target of 156 runs, joining the ranks of five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as the only teams to win consecutive IPL titles.