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.