Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the schedule and locations for the high stakes ipl 2026 The playoffs excite 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 knockout stages will be distributed across three different venues as a special affair. While the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is set to host Qualifier 1 on May 26, the newly inaugurated 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 reacts after BCCI shifts IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad
Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) broke his silence on Wednesday expressing deep disappointment over BCCI’s decision to shift the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. As per tradition, Bengaluru was expected to host the summit Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Are the current champions. However, the BCCI rescheduled the venue without citing specific technicalities, only noting that the change “wasDue to certain requirements of the local association and officials which were outside the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols“
At the beginning of the 2026 season, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad had confirmed that Bengaluru had been allotted seven matches, which included five home matches for RCB, a playoff and the final. KSCA official spokesperson reacting to the sudden change Vinay Mrityunjay It was said:
“Initially, KSCA expressed disappointment that IPL playoff matches have been allotted to other centres. President Venkatesh Prasad was in touch with the BCCI and formally conveyed our preparations and keen interest in hosting the playoffs at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.“
The move comes in the wake of tragic incidents last year when 11 fans lost their lives in a stampede during RCB’s title celebrations. Since then, KSCA has completed a massive renovation and security overhaul with the cooperation of franchisees and state officials. Despite five incident-free matches this season, the BCCI is yet to clarify the specific reasons for the transfer. However, Mrityunjay said the association respects BCCI’s ‘prerogatives and decision-making rights’..‘
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host international events in late 2026
While the IPL final loss is a bitter pill to swallow for local fans, international cricket is expected to make a grand return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium later this year. The BCCI has confirmed that the iconic venue remains the central pillar of India’s domestic season, with a number of high-profile matches scheduled for the final quarter of 2026.
Bengaluru fans can look forward to the fifth T20 match India and this west indiesWhich is going to happen on 17th October. The series is expected to culminate in a massive draw, which will serve as the homecoming of international cricket in the city. Subsequently, the 50-over format returned to the Garden City in the form of the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka Scheduled for December 16.
KSCA has reiterated that the stadium is ‘fully ready’ to host matches at all levels. Mrityunjay emphasized that the Association is committed to providing exceptional spectator experience and will continue to extend its full support to the BCCI and other stakeholders for the successful conduct of these upcoming international fixtures.
Also read: BCCI ready to implement strict rules and new rules against ‘girlfriend culture’ in IPL 2026 – report
