The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally unveiled the schedule and venues for the high-stakes IPL 2026 playoffs, stirring each pleasure and controversy. In a shock transfer, the board introduced on Wednesday that the ultimate might be hosted on the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Could 31. This season, the knockout phases might be distributed throughout three distinct places as a particular case. Whereas the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala is ready to host Qualifier 1 on Could 26, the newly inaugurated worldwide stadium in New Chandigarh would be the stage for the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on Could 27 and 29, respectively.
Karnataka State Cricket Affiliation responds after BCCI relocates IPL 2026 closing to Ahmedabad
The Karnataka State Cricket Affiliation (KSCA) broke its silence on Wednesday, expressing profound disappointment over the BCCI’s resolution to shift the IPL 2026 closing from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. By conference, Bengaluru was anticipated to host the summit conflict as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions. Nonetheless, the BCCI reassigned the venue with out citing particular technicalities, solely noting that the shift was “owing to sure necessities from the native affiliation and authorities that had been past the scope of BCCI’s established tips and protocols.”
Initially of the 2026 season, KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad had confirmed that Bengaluru was allotted seven matches, together with 5 house video games for RCB, one playoff, and the ultimate. Reacting to the sudden change, KSCA official spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya said:
“On the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to different centres. President Venkatesh Prasad was in contact with the BCCI and had formally conveyed our preparedness and eager curiosity in internet hosting the Playoffs on the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.”
The transfer comes within the wake of tragic occasions final 12 months when 11 followers misplaced their lives in a stampede throughout RCB’s title celebrations. Since then, the KSCA, in collaboration with the franchise and state authorities, has accomplished large-scale renovations and safety overhauls. Regardless of 5 incident-free matches this season, the BCCI has but to make clear the particular causes for the relocation. Nonetheless, Mruthyunjaya added that the affiliation respects the BCCI’s ‘prerogative and decision-making authority.’
Additionally READ: BCCI reveals IPL 2026 playoffs’ venues and key details, with Ahmedabad taking over final hosting duties from Bengaluru
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host worldwide fixtures on the finish of 2026
Whereas the lack of the IPL closing is a bitter tablet for the native followers to swallow, worldwide cricket is slated for a grand return to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium later this 12 months. The BCCI has confirmed that the long-lasting venue stays a central pillar of India’s house season, with a number of high-profile matches scheduled for the ultimate quarter of 2026.
Bengaluru followers can sit up for the fifth T20I between India and the West Indies, which is ready to happen on October 17. This collection finale is predicted to be an enormous draw, serving as a homecoming for worldwide cricket within the metropolis. Following this, the 50-over format returns to the backyard metropolis because the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka is scheduled for December 16.
The KSCA has reiterated that the stadium is ‘absolutely ready’ to host matches in any respect ranges. Mruthyunjaya emphasised that the affiliation stays dedicated to offering an distinctive spectator expertise and can proceed to increase its fullest cooperation to the BCCI and different stakeholders for the profitable conduct of those upcoming worldwide fixtures.
Additionally READ: BCCI set to impose stricter rules and new regulations against ‘Girlfriend Culture’ in IPL 2026 – Reports
