The cricketing world was sent into a frenzy this week following the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) sudden announcement regarding the IPL 2026 playoffs venues. While the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad was confirmed as the host for the grand finale on May 31, the exclusion of Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home of the defending champions, raised eyebrows across the globe.
Devajit Saikia clarifies why Ahmedabad was chosen over Bengaluru for the IPL 2026 final
Breaking the silence on the controversy, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has finally revealed the administrative friction that led to this high-stakes relocation. According to Saikia, the decision was not based on infrastructure or logistics, but rather a significant dispute over complimentary ticket allocations requested by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
At the heart of the relocation lies a strict IPL governing council protocol. Speaking to ANI, Saikia clarified that every host association is entitled to exactly 15% of the total seating capacity as complimentary tickets. This standard ensures a fair balance between commercial ticket sales for fans and the needs of local stakeholders.
However, investigations into the league stage matches held in Bengaluru suggested that the KSCA was allegedly operating far outside these boundaries. When the BCCI requested formal details ahead of the summit clash, the response from the state association was nothing short of shocking.
“We were shocked when we received a response via email from the KSCA on May 2nd. They stated that, over and above the 15% quota, they would require a substantial additional allocation for members and affiliated clubs,” Saikia stated.
The most jarring revelation involved a specific request for 700 complimentary tickets for the Government of Karnataka, alongside dedicated blocks for local MLAs and MLCs. In total, the KSCA reportedly demanded approximately 10,000 additional tickets beyond their legal limit, a move the BCCI deemed unsustainable for a high-revenue event like the IPL final.
Ahmedabad secures the summit clash as playoffs schedule confirmed
With the Bengaluru negotiations hitting a stalemate, the BCCI moved swiftly to award the final to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As the world’s largest cricket stadium, it offers the scale and administrative compliance the board requires for the 19th edition’s crowning moment.
The relocation has reshaped the entire knockout phase of the tournament. The IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule is now finalized as follows:
- Qualifier 1: May 26 at the HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala.
- Eliminator: May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur.
- Qualifier 2: May 29 at Mullanpur.
- The Final: May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
While the KSCA has expressed deep disappointment over losing the hosting rights, the BCCI’s stance remains firm. By prioritizing transparency and sticking to the 15% protocol, the board aims to send a clear message to all state associations regarding the commercial integrity of the league. For the fans in Bengaluru, it is a bitter pill to swallow, but for the city of Ahmedabad, the stage is set for yet another historic night under the lights.
