Virat Kohli Jay Shah for RCB, BCCI in IPL. Image Credits: AP/AFP
In a stunning development, the BCCI have snatched away the IPL 2026 final hosting rights from Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The final will now be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
On May 6, the official schedule for the IPL 2026 playoff was released. The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1, while the Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh will host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 games.
BCCI explains why Bengaluru lost IPL 2026 final hosting rights
Interestingly, the IPL 2026 final, which was originally scheduled to be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has been shifted to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
In a statement, the BCCI explained that Chinnaswamy missed out due to certain requirements from local authorities and the state association that did not align with its standard guidelines and protocols.
“Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case. Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final," the statement read.
"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,” BCCI’s statement further said.
As a result, the title clash has been reassigned to Narendra Modi Stadium, and the change has been described as a one-time, exceptional decision.
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Why was Chinnaswamy Stadium snubbed?
Interestingly, the issue stems from the standoff between the Chinnaswamy Stadium authorities and local politicians who demanded free tickets for the games.
Congress MLAs argued that they are public representatives and hence deserve special treatment. They demanded a specific quota of tickets and VIP access to the stadium.
Even Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar allotted three free IPL tickets to each MLA and MP. However, the move wasn’t received well by fans, as they accused the politicians of abuse of power.
This standoff irked the BCCI, as they feel political interference does not align with the IPL's standard guidelines and protocols. Earlier, a BCCI source had hinted that if KSCA fails to resolve the ticket issue with the politicians, the Chinnaswamy Stadium will lose the hosting rights for the final.
And now, it seems the deadline is over, and a few politicians’ egos and show of power have cost Bengaluru big time.
The IPL 2026 final was important for Bengaluru
That being said, the city of Bengaluru needed the IPL 2026 final to be hosted at the Chinnaswamy Stadium more than ever. Last year, their home team, RCB, won their maiden IPL title.
But the celebration turned into tragedy as a stampede killed 11 fans during victory celebrations outside the stadium. In the aftermath, Chinnaswamy wasn't allowed to host any competitive game of cricket.
It was only after a review committee declared the stadium safe that RCB were allowed to play a set number of their home games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in front of their home fans.
However, with the IPL 2026 final now shifted to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and the Chinnaswamy Stadium have lost their only chance at improving their public image.
Also Read - IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule Revealed; These Dates Booked
