KSCA hit back at BCCI [Source: AP, AFP]The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the venues for the playoffs matches of the ongoing IPL 2026 season. The HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala and the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur will be hosting the eliminator and the two qualifier matches. The two venues also happen to be the home ground of the Punjab Kings franchise. It is worth noting that contrary to earlier claims, the BCCI has allocated the IPL 2026 final to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru was one of the leading contenders to host the title clash, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has now hit back at the Indian board. KSCA expresses disappointment over IPL 2026 final shift The KSCA has expressed its disappointment over BCCI’s decision of allocating the IPL 2026 final to Ahmedabad, even though earlier reports indicated that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will be hosting the spectacle. As per the latest report, former Indian cricketer and KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad was in constant touch with the BCCI in this regard, with the association repeatedly conveying its preparedness to host the playoff matches. Also Read- IPL 2026 Top 4 Prediction Released, 2 Current Table Toppers Shown Exit Door By India VeteranReleasing an official statement on IPL 2026 playoff snub, the KSCA said “At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres. KSCA President and legendary Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was personally in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in this regard and had also formally conveyed KSCA’s preparedness, willingness, and keen interest in hosting the IPL Playoffs at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.” The KSCA added that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been receiving much appreciation from fans this IPL 2026 season for its crowd management and overall spectator experience. “The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience, reaffirming KSCA’s capability to successfully host marquee fixtures of such scale and importance.” The KSCA also understood and acknowledged BCCI’s decision, even though the specific reason behind the venue shift was not “formally communicated” with the association. The Karnataka cricket body concluded “Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues. While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard.” Why did BCCI change IPL 2026 final venue from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad? While announcing the entire itinerary of the IPL 2026 playoffs, the BCCI claimed that the board shifted the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad owing to “certain operational and logistical considerations”. Issuing an official statement on the IPL website, the board wrote “Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. 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.” IPL 2026 playoffs schedule As per the schedule unveiled by the BCCI, the first qualifier of the IPL 2026 season will be hosted by the HPCA Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26. The Eliminator match will be subsequently hosted by the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 27. The Mullanpur-based venue will also host the second qualifier of the tournament a couple of days later on May 29. The final will be played at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. Notably, the Ahmedabad-based stadium will now be hosting its fourth IPL final in the past five editions of the tournament. Also Read- Suryakumar Yadav Leaves Mumbai Indians’ Camp After Hardik Pandya, Reason Revealed
