Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has confirmed talks about moving the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. At the season’s start, playoff venues were not officially set, but M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was likely to host one playoff match and the final.
Bengaluru was initially favored since the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) were the defending champions, having beaten Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad during IPL 2025. Shivakumar mentioned that the potential venue change aims to accommodate a larger audience for this key event. He also refuted claims that IPL tickets were being given to MLAs.
This issue arises amid controversy over requests from Karnataka lawmakers for free tickets. Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar suggested that elected officials, as VIPs, should get at least five tickets each. In response, Shivakumar explained that MLAs and MPs will receive three tickets each for RCB matches.
“The IPL final is likely being moved to accommodate a larger crowd in Ahmedabad. The ticket distribution to MLAs is unrelated to this. There will be a 50% reservation elsewhere,” said Shivakumar as quoted by News18.
He defended the ticket allocation process, stating that a 50% reservation system is also in place at other venues. This development is significant because Shivakumar had previously insisted that IPL matches would remain in Bengaluru, emphasizing M. Chinnaswamy Stadium’s importance to the city and state.
While the BCCI has not specified why the venue change is necessary, the matter has sparked a wider political discussion in Karnataka regarding governance, VIP culture, and the potential loss of a major Cricket event for Bengaluru.
IPL playoffs schedule out
The updated IPL 2026 playoffs schedule states that Qualifier 1 will take place on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium. The tournament will then move to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, where the Eliminator will occur on May 27, followed by Qualifier 2 on May 29. The final is set for May 31 in Ahmedabad.