Ahmedabad Selected for IPL 2026 Final: BCCI's Decision Explained

BCCI's Venue Choice for IPL 2026 Final

On June 1, the Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, announced that Ahmedabad has been designated as the host city for the IPL 2026 final. This decision was influenced by the stadium's impressive seating capacity, which allows for a greater number of fans to attend, thereby maximizing revenue generation.

In response to comments made by Karnataka's Chief Minister-designate, DK Shivakumar, regarding the venue selection, Shukla emphasized that the BCCI prioritizes stadiums with larger capacities for significant matches, including playoffs and finals.

Shukla stated, "The playoff matches are organized by the BCCI; we always aim to hold major events like finals in venues that can accommodate a large audience. This approach not only boosts revenue but also ensures that as many fans as possible can enjoy the match."

He further explained that Ahmedabad's selection was based on these considerations, noting its capacity of over 100,000, which facilitates the accommodation of all attendees, including members and other guests.

Shivakumar expressed that while no injustice was done to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he felt that the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka were shortchanged by the final's relocation to Ahmedabad instead of being held in the state capital.

Initially, Bengaluru was set to host the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, but the BCCI later decided to move the event to Ahmedabad.

Shivakumar remarked, "No injustice has been done to RCB, but the youth of Bengaluru and Karnataka have been deprived. The IPL final was meant to be here, but it has been moved to Ahmedabad. We have all moved on from past events and are looking forward to a fresh start."

Last month, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the decision to shift the final was influenced by the Karnataka State Cricket Association's request for complimentary tickets that exceeded the allowed quota.

Saikia clarified that under 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 relocate the matches due to what it termed excessive ticket demands from the state association, which is permitted only 15% of the stadium's capacity for complimentary tickets.

Saikia added, "The BCCI and IPL have announced the venues for the playoff matches. We have the Qualifiers and Playoffs, along with the Final. Therefore, we have chosen three venues: Dharamshala for the first playoff match, followed by two more matches in New Chandigarh, with the Final set for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad."

In the meantime, RCB celebrated their IPL 2026 victory, led by a remarkable performance from Virat Kohli, who scored 75* off 42 balls, securing a win against the Gujarat Titans in the final held in Ahmedabad.

With this victory, RCB joined the ranks of five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians as clubs that have achieved back-to-back IPL titles.