The Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is underway, and the teams have already completed the fourth match of the 19th edition of the league weeks ago. The points table has witnessed some surprises as all the most successful teams of the tournament, Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have combined to lift 13 trophies.
The three most successful teams are currently placed at 8th, 9th and 10th respectively in the points table. All 70 matches of IPL 2026 have been announced; However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council have not announced the venues and dates for the playoff matches of the world’s oldest franchise league.
IPL will release fixtures in two phases
Amid the wait for voting dates for assembly elections in many states across the country, the Governing Council released the schedule in two phases. However, it was noted that the venues for the playoffs, including the final, would be announced later. According to India Today report, Bengaluru and New Chandigarh are at the forefront.
The final decision will be made after several considerations such as logistics, travel arrangements and broadcast requirements. Traditionally, the final is played at the home ground of the defending champion. With Royal Challengers Bangalore being the defending champions, the title clash is likely to be held on their home ground, and there will be 74 matches across 13 venues.
Will M Chinnaswamy host the final?
Although like last year, tensions are rising over Bengaluru hosting the final, it turned into a nightmare after RCB won the trophy when a stampede broke out during their victory parade in Bengaluru with 11 people killed and several injured during the celebrations. Before the tournament, it was reported that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium would not host any games.
However, after getting clearance from the expert committee appointed by the Karnataka government, the venue was given clearance to hold the match two weeks before the start of the league. Following a deadly stampede outside the ground last year, the stadium was upgraded before it was authorized to host matches. RCB will play 5 league matches on this ground.
IPL playoff fixtures yet to be announced
The remaining two matches of RCB will be played at Raipur Stadium. As of now, Eden Gardens, Kolkata has not been selected as the venue, nor has Wankhede Stadium or MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. These three iconic venues have hosted many tournament finals and many major cricket matches. It will be interesting to see if any of the above places get any playoff matches.
It’s been an exciting week so far in the IPL, and it’s also a week of rivalries, as some of the best teams face their staunchest rivals in the fifth week of the league. The fifth matchweek begins today, as Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) host table-toppers Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are still unbeaten in the league.
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