Bengaluru Loses Hosting Rights, IPL Final Moved To Ahmedabad

NEW DELHI -Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has lost the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final, scheduled for May 31, following disagreements between IPL officials and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) over a series of demands and organizational concerns, sources said.

According to sources, IPL officials remained in constant touch with KSCA officials, but negotiations eventually broke down over what were described as “too high and unacceptable” demands, including requests for passes for members and politicians.

The situation was further complicated by reports of ticket black marketing, which raised logistical and integrity concerns. The decision was subsequently taken to shift the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad.

The IPL final is traditionally hosted at the home venue of the defending champions. Since Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the previous edition, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was initially expected to stage the summit clash.

However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India stated that certain requirements from local authorities fell “beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols,” making it unfeasible to host the final in Bengaluru.

Earlier on May 6, the BCCI announced the schedule for the IPL 2026 playoffs, confirming that Ahmedabad will host the final.

The playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1 between the top two teams on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct place in the final at stake.

The action will then move to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host the Eliminator on May 27 between the third and fourth-placed teams.

The same venue will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to decide the second finalist. (IANS)