The IPL 2026 playoffs are set to unfold across three venues: Mullanpur, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. However, the final — originally slated for Bengaluru — has been unexpectedly shifted to Ahmedabad due to local association requirements that exceed BCCI’s guidelines.
Qualifier 1 will kick off on May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, followed by the Eliminator on May 27 at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Qualifier 2 is scheduled for May 29 at the same venue, leading up to the final on May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The decision came as a surprise to many fans and teams alike. A BCCI spokesperson explained, “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 marks a significant change in plans for what is often one of the most anticipated events of the cricketing calendar.
Ahmedabad has become a familiar stage for IPL finals, having hosted the decider in 2022, 2023, and 2025. The city’s capacity and infrastructure have made it a go-to location for high-stakes matches — but this will be its fourth final in five years.
Key dates:
- Qualifier 1: May 26 at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Eliminator: May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Qualifier 2: May 29 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Final: May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The BCCI emphasized that this season’s playoffs will be conducted across multiple venues due to special operational and logistical considerations. Observers are curious about how this shift might impact team preparations and fan attendance.
