The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the schedule and locations of the high stakes races IPL 2026 playoffs, caused both excitement and controversy. In a surprise move, the board on Wednesday announced that the final will be held on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This season, the playoffs will be spread over three different locations as a special case. While the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala will host the Qualifier 1 on May 26, the newly opened international stadium in New Chandigarh will be the stage for the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 27 and 29 respectively.
Karnataka State Cricket Association hits back after BCCI moves IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Breaking his silence on Wednesday, he expressed deep disappointment over the BCCI’s decision to move the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. By convention, Bengaluru was expected to host the summit clash Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions. However, the BCCI redefined the venue without referring to specific specifications, only stating that the change was “Due to certain requirements from local association and authorities which are beyond the scope of BCCI’s established rules and protocols.”
KSCA president at the beginning of the 2026 season Venkatesh Prasad Bengaluru has been allotted seven matches for RCB, including five home games, a play-off and a final, he confirmed. KSCA official spokesman reacting to the sudden change Vinay to Mrutyunjaya stated:
“First, the KSCA expresses its disappointment over the allocation of the IPL Playoffs to other centres. President Venkatesh Prasad contacted the BCCI and formally expressed our interest in holding our training and play-offs at the famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium..”
The move comes after the tragic events during RCB’s title celebrations last year in which 11 fans lost their lives in the crowd. Since then, KSCA has completed extensive renovations and safety overhauls in cooperation with franchisees and government authorities. Despite five incidents-free matches this season, the BCCI is yet to clarify the specific reasons for the shift. Nevertheless, Mruthunjaya added that the association respects BCCI’s “prerogative and decision-making authority”..‘
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host international competitions at the end of 2026
While the loss of the IPL final is a bitter pill to swallow for domestic fans, international cricket is set to make a grand return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium later this year. The BCCI has confirmed that the iconic venue remains a central pillar of India’s home season, with several high-profile matches scheduled for the final quarter of 2026.
Bengaluru fans can look forward to the fifth T20I India and West Indiawill take place on October 17. The final of this series is expected to be a massive draw, serving as a homecoming for international cricket in the city. After that, the 50-over format returns to the garden city as the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka It was set for December 16.
The KSCA reiterated that the stadium is “fully ready” to host matches at all levels. Mruthyunjaya emphasized that the association is committed to providing an exceptional spectator experience and will continue to extend its full cooperation with the BCCI and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the upcoming international competitions.
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