The IPL 2026 playoffs will take place across three venues: Mullanpur, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. The final, originally scheduled for Bengaluru, has been moved to Ahmedabad due to local association requirements exceeding BCCI’s guidelines.
Key playoff dates:
- Qualifier 1: May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala
- Eliminator: May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh
- Qualifier 2: May 29 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh
- Final: May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad
BCCI stated that the shift was necessary due to operational and logistical considerations. They confirmed that Ahmedabad has hosted the IPL final four times in five years.
The BCCI remarked, “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.”
This change impacts teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings as they prepare for the playoffs. Observers expect a competitive atmosphere in Ahmedabad for the final.
