The IPL 2026 playoffs will feature matches across three venues: Mullanpur, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. This season, the final, originally scheduled for Bengaluru, has been unexpectedly shifted to Ahmedabad due to local association requirements that exceed the guidelines set forth by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Key playoff dates:
- Qualifier 1 is set for May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
- The Eliminator will take place on May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
- Qualifier 2 is scheduled for May 29 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
- The final will occur on May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
BCCI officials stated, “Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned.” This marks the fourth time in five years that Ahmedabad has hosted the IPL final, showcasing its growing prominence as a cricketing hub.
As noted by sources within the BCCI, “The playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season due to special operational and logistical considerations.” Observers suggest that this decision reflects a broader trend towards accommodating regional demands while maintaining competitive integrity within the league.
Historically, Ahmedabad has become synonymous with hosting significant IPL matches, having staged the decider in both 2022 and 2023. The move to hold this year’s final there continues that trend, raising questions about how such logistical decisions may impact fan engagement and regional cricket development.
