Desk Correspondent , Bengaluru - The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs, but the big headline is a major venue change. Bengaluru, which was originally set to host the final, has now lost out — with Ahmedabad once again getting the grand finale. This decision has sparked debate among fans and raised questions about venue selection.
The BCCI on Wednesday confirmed that the IPL 2026 playoffs will be conducted across three venues — Dharamshala, New Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams, will be played on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium, with a direct spot in the final at stake. The action will then shift to New Chandigarh, which will host the Eliminator on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29. However, the biggest development concerns the final. Bengaluru, which was initially designated as the host following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s title win last season, has lost the right to stage the match. Instead, the final will now be held on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium — marking the second consecutive year and the fourth time overall that Ahmedabad will host an IPL final. The BCCI has attributed the shift to operational and logistical constraints, along with certain requirements from local authorities that were beyond its standard protocols.
With a seating capacity of over 100,000, the Narendra Modi Stadium continues to be the board’s preferred venue for high-profile matches. However, the decision has triggered disappointment among fans, especially in cities like Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Mumbai, who believe more traditional cricket centres should get marquee games. With the playoffs set and excitement building, all eyes are now on whether the on-field action can match the drama off it in IPL 2026.
Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a tough outing as they suffered an 82-run defeat to Gujarat Titans, while skipper Pat Cummins was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate offence, compounding the team’s misery.
May 12, 2025, when India bid farewell to one of its biggest Test cricketers as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format. One year later, fans still miss his passion and presence in whites.
Axar Patel and David Miller turned out to be champions for Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala and kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a sensational win against Punjab Kings.
The IPL 2026 match between the RCB and the Mumbai Indians proved to be most thrilling match of the season.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and many other big names are likely to miss Australia series against Pakistan, prioritizing IPL 2026 playoffs.
.jpeg)
Virat Kohli has played 34 innings against MI and averages 32.40 against them with a strike rate of 128.
The IPL 2026 playoff race is heating up as the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants prepare for a crucial clash in Chennai this Sunday. Both teams are desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the frontrunner for the role
The duo had earlier shared the dressing room while representing Lucknow Super Giants during the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons
.jpeg)
Asked to bat, LSG posted 209/3, powered by Marsh’s blistering 111 off 56 balls, an innings studded with nine fours and nine sixes
US has paused Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz for now, as talks with Ira...
Governor presented citations to several outstanding units of the Army, Assam Rif...
Pune Tourist Rescued Following 150-Foot Plunge at Sinhagad Fort While Taking Pho...
Twin Blasts Near Military Establishments Put Punjab on High Alert
