Karnataka State Cricket Association Expresses Disappointment Over IPL Final Venue Change
KSCA's Reaction to Venue Change
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) expressed its disappointment on Wednesday regarding the Indian cricket board's decision to move the final of the ongoing Indian Premier League from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Traditionally, the final match is held in Bengaluru, especially since the Royal Challengers Bangalore are the current champions. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not provide specific reasons for this significant change.
The BCCI stated that the venue change was due to certain demands from local associations and officials, which were outside the established guidelines and protocols of the BCCI. KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad had previously announced at the start of IPL 2026 that Bengaluru was awarded the hosting rights for seven matches, including five home games for RCB, one playoff, and the final.
Vinay Mritunjay, an official spokesperson for KSCA, remarked, "KSCA is disappointed that the playoff matches of IPL have been assigned to other venues."
Venkatesh Prasad had been in contact with the BCCI regarding this matter and had formally communicated KSCA's readiness and keen interest in hosting the IPL playoffs at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Mritunjay noted that the BCCI has yet to disclose the specific reasons for relocating the playoff matches to other venues.
He added, "Despite our readiness and willingness to host the playoffs, the BCCI has decided to assign these matches to other locations."
Mritunjay further stated, "Although KSCA has not been formally informed of the specific reasons, we fully respect the BCCI's prerogative in this matter." Last year, a tragic incident occurred during the celebration of RCB's victory at Chinnaswamy Stadium, resulting in the deaths of 11 fans due to a stampede. Since then, no international matches have been played at this stadium.
Despite not receiving the playoff hosting rights, Mritunjay reiterated that KSCA is fully prepared to host matches at all levels. He emphasized, "KSCA wants to reiterate that it is fully prepared to host national and international matches and will continue to provide its full support and cooperation to the BCCI, franchises, government officials, and all stakeholders for the successful conduct of cricket competitions in India." International cricket will return to Chinnaswamy Stadium later this year, with the venue set to host the fifth T20 international match between India and West Indies on October 17, followed by the second ODI match between India and Sri Lanka on December 16.