The cricketing world was furious after this week Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sudden announcement about IPL 2026 playoff games. While Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium has been confirmed to host the grand final on May 31, the exclusion of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, home of the defending champions, has sparked worldwide surprise.
Devajit Saikia explains why Ahmedabad was chosen over Bangalore for the IPL 2026 final
Breaking the silence in the argument, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia eventually exposed the administrative friction that led to this high-stakes shift. According to Saikia, the decision was not based on infrastructure or logistics, rather there was a significant dispute over the allocation of the free ticket required by the government. Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
At the heart of the move is strict IPL governing body protocol. Speaking to ANI, Saikia clarified that each host association is entitled to receive exactly 15% of the total seat capacity as free tickets. This standard strikes a fair balance between commercial ticketing for fans and the needs of local stakeholders.
However, investigations into the league stage matches in Bengaluru suggested that the KSCA operated far beyond these boundaries. When the BCCI demanded official details ahead of the summit clash, the state association’s response was nothing short of shock.
“We were shocked when we received a response from KSCA via email on May 2n.d. They stated that over and above the 15% quota, they would require significant additional funds for members and affiliated clubs.said Saikia.
The most shocking revelation was about a special request for 700 free tickets for the Karnataka Government, along with blocks reserved for local MLAs and MLCs. In total, the KSCA reportedly demanded around 10,000 additional tickets beyond their legal limits, a move the BCCI deemed unsustainable for a high-grossing event like the IPL final.
Ahmedabad ensures a summit clash as the play-off schedule is confirmed
With the Bengaluru talks deadlocked, the BCCI moved swiftly to give the final to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the world’s largest cricket stadium, it offers the scale and administrative fit required by the board for the crowning moment of the 19th edition.
The move changed the entire playoff phase of the tournament. The IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule now concludes as follows:
- Selection 1: May 26 at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.
- Eliminator: May 27 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
- Option 2: May 29 at Mullanpur.
- Final: May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
While the KSCA has expressed deep disappointment at losing the hosting rights, the BCCI’s stance remains firm. By prioritizing transparency and adhering to the 15% protocol, the board aims to send a clear message to all state associations about the league’s commercial integrity. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for their fans in Bengaluru, but for the city of Ahmedabad, the stage is set for another historic night under the lights.
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