There was a stir in the cricket world after this week Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sudden announcement regarding ipl 2026 Playoff spot. While Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium was confirmed as the host of the grand finale on May 31, the exclusion of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, home of the defending champions, sparked outrage across the world.
Devjit Saikia clarifies why Ahmedabad was chosen instead of Bengaluru for IPL 2026 final
breaking silence on controversy BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia Ultimately the administrative tussle that led to this high-risk transfer was exposed. According to Saikia, the decision was not based on infrastructure or logistics, but a significant dispute over complimentary ticket allocation. Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
At the core of the transfer lies a strict IPL Governing Council protocol. Speaking to ANI, Saikia clarified that each host association is entitled to get exactly 15% of the total seating capacity as complimentary tickets. This standard ensures an appropriate balance between commercial ticket sales to fans and the needs of local stakeholders.
However, an investigation into the league stage matches held in Bengaluru revealed that KSCA was allegedly operating outside these limits. When the BCCI requested formal details ahead of the summit, the state association’s response was nothing short of shocking.
“We were shocked when we received a response from KSCA via email on May 2.Ra. He said that, in addition to the 15% quota, they would need substantial additional allocation for members and affiliated clubsSaikia said.
The most shocking revelation included a specific request for 700 complimentary tickets for the Karnataka government along with dedicated blocks for local MLAs and MLCs. In total, KSCA reportedly demanded approximately 10,000 additional tickets beyond their legal limit, which the BCCI considered unsustainable for a high-revenue event like the IPL final.
Ahmedabad secure summit clash as playoff schedule confirmed
After the Bengaluru talks hit a deadlock, the BCCI moved swiftly to award the final to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the largest cricket stadium in the world, it provides the required scale and administrative compliance to the board for the decisive moment of the 19th edition.
The transfer has reshaped the entire knockout stage of the tournament. ipl 2026 playoff schedule Now finalized as follows:
- Qualifier 1: 26 May at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala.
- Eliminator: 27 May at Maharaja Yadvinder Singh Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
- Qualifier 2: 29 May Mullanpur.
- Last: On 31 May at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
While KSCA has expressed deep disappointment over losing the hosting rights, BCCI’s stance remains firm. By prioritizing transparency and following the 15% protocol, the board aims to send a clear message to all state associations regarding the business integrity of the league. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for Bengaluru fans, but for the city of Ahmedabad, the stage is set for another historic night under the lights.
Also read: BCCI ready to implement strict rules and new rules against ‘girlfriend culture’ in IPL 2026 – report