The Jay Shah-led BCCI had officially confirmed the venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs, with the final scheduled for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was initially expected to host the final, the venue was changed due to various logistical and operational factors.
However, as per the recent reports, another major factor related to Jay Shah's ICC has also emerged as the reason for the venue shift.
Jay Shah's ICC Meeting In Ahmedabad Became A Major Factor
According to a latest report by the Times of India (TOI), one of the main reasons for the shift of the IPL 2026 final venue is that an important ICC meeting is scheduled in Ahmedabad during the IPL final week.
The meeting was earlier planned to be held in Doha, Qatar, from March 25 to 27, but has been postponed because of the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to TOI that several foreign delegates associated with the Jay Shah's ICC would be in Ahmedabad during the IPL 2026 final.
As a result, hosting the final in the same city became the most convenient option for cricket administrators.
"An important meeting of the International Cricket Council is scheduled to be held in Ahmedabad around the time of the final."
"That meeting was originally supposed to be held in Doha, Qatar from March 25-27, but has been postponed in the wake of the ongoing conflict involving US, Israel and Iran. All the foreign delegates will be present in Ahmedabad during that time. The meeting will run concurrently with the IPL final," Saikia told TOI on Friday.
"We were contemplating if the other venues in India could also stage a playoff match, but then the likelihood of pre-monsoon showers looms large at that time (May-end), and that factor discouraged us."
"So, the weather pattern also plays a big role in scheduling this important fixture. Ahmedabad is the most convenient, comfortable venue to stage the IPL final at that time of the year," the BCCI secretary stressed.
Why BCCI Changed The IPL 2026 Final Venue?
Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was originally expected to host the IPL 2026 final, especially after RCB won the previous edition. Traditionally, defending champions often receive hosting preference for the next season's final.
However, the BCCI eventually decided against awarding any playoff match to Bengaluru. Reports suggested that operational complications and disagreements involving local authorities and the state association became major concerns.
Jay Shah and Virat Kohli (Source: AFP)
