IPL 2026 Final Shifted to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru Out

BCCI announces playoff schedule with Dharamsala and Chandigarh as key venues; title clash on May 31.

Ahmedabad to Host Title Clash

The final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will not be played in Bengaluru. Instead, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad has been confirmed as the venue for the title clash on May 31.

The BCCI on Tuesday released the full schedule for the business end of the tournament. In a significant change, the much-anticipated final has moved away from its initially planned location. Officials confirmed that the league stage will wrap up after 70 matches, followed by four playoff games across three different cities.

Dharamsala Gets the First Playoff

The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will host the first qualifier on May 26. It will feature the top two teams from the points table.

This is a notable shift for the league. Dharamsala has often been a neutral venue in the past, but hosting a qualifier is a first in recent seasons. Sources say the scenic stadium was chosen after discussions about crowd safety and logistical feasibility during the peak summer months.

New Venue in Chandigarh

From there, the action moves to the newly built International Cricket Stadium in Chandigarh. The venue is set to host two high-pressure matches: the Eliminator on May 27 and the second qualifier on May 29.

Local authorities in Chandigarh are already preparing for the influx of fans. This will be the first major knockout event at this stadium, and officials are keen to ensure the facilities stand up to the scrutiny of a live global broadcast.

Why Bengaluru Lost the Final

Initial reports had suggested Bengaluru was the frontrunner to host the final. However, according to sources familiar with the matter, those plans fell through.

Discussions between the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and the BCCI hit a roadblock. It is understood that local association officials raised certain demands regarding hospitality protocols and security arrangements that did not align with the board’s standard operating procedures. Consequently, the BCCI decided to hand over the hosting rights to the Ahmedabad facility, which has the largest seating capacity in the country.

Punjab Tops the Table

Meanwhile, the race to the playoffs is heating up. After 48 matches, Punjab Kings currently sit at the top of the table with 13 points. Lucknow Super Giants, on the other hand, are struggling at the bottom.

The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bangalore, who won their first title last season by beating Punjab in the final by six runs, are also in the mix for a top finish.

What to Expect Next

With the venues now locked, teams have about three weeks to fine-tune their strategies. The move to Ahmedabad for the final ensures a full house, given the stadium's massive capacity. For fans in Bengaluru, it’s a missed opportunity, but the BCCI has indicated that the city remains a priority for future editions if administrative conditions are met.