IPL 2026 final shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, BCCI issues statement

Major developments have emerged regarding the venue for the Indian Premier League 2026 Final. Traditionally, the IPL follows the rule of hosting the next season’s final at the home ground of the defending champions. Based on that convention, the 2026 final was expected to be held at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the plan has now undergone a significant change.

The IPL 2026 final will now be played at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. According to the playoff venue list released for the season, playoff and final matches will be hosted across three cities Ahmedabad, Dharamshala and New Chandigarh.

Despite Bengaluru being the frontrunner to host the summit clash, reports suggest that a recent ticketing controversy led to the venue being shifted at the last moment. Sources said issues related to ticket sales and management arrangements played a major role in the decision taken by the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

The IPL 2026 grand finale will be played on May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium. The BCCI stated that although Bengaluru was initially awarded hosting rights for the final, certain demands raised by local authorities and the state association were beyond the board’s established protocols, prompting the venue change to Ahmedabad.

The board further said that due to operational and logistical reasons, the playoff matches this season will exceptionally be held across three different venues.

IPL 2026 playoff venues

Qualifier 1: Dharamshala

Eliminator: New Chandigarh

Qualifier 2: New Chandigarh

Final: Ahmedabad at Narendra Modi Stadium