'Disappointment': KSCA Miffed as BCCI Shifts IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing massive outrage for shifting the final of IPL 2026 from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. The deciding fixture will now take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium whereas the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium of Bengaluru will not get to host the final.

The general rule for the IPL final is that the final game is held at the home of the defending champions. As Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinched the title in 2025, Bengaluru was in line to host the final game but the change in the venue has been met with severe criticism by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

KSCA expresses disappointment. The Karnataka State Cricket Association stated its views through an official statement. The KSCA stated that its president, a former India pacer, Venkatesh Prasad was continuously in touch with the BCCI and informed the latter of the ground being ready.

The statement by KSCA read:

"At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres. KSCA President and legendary Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was personally in touch with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in this regard and had also formally conveyed KSCA's preparedness, willingness, and keen interest in hosting the IPL Playoffs at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium."

The statement added:

"The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience, reaffirming KSCA's capability to successfully host marquee fixtures of such scale and importance."

The statement further read:

"Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues. While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard."

BCCI Clarifies Ahmedabad Choice

The BCCI issued a clarification on the shift of the final from Bengaluru. Some requirements in terms of logistics and operation from the local authorities were beyond the usual parameters of the BCCI.

The statement issued by the IPL governing council read:

"Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case. 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 was also in connection with the recent controversy concerning MLAs seeking complimentary tickets from the Karnataka government. The KSCA had later solved this matter by providing 3 tickets each to MLAs.

The playoffs are scheduled to be held at various venues. The first qualifier is scheduled to be held at HPCA International Cricket Stadium on May 26. Eliminator and second qualifier will be held at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on May 27 and May 29.

IPL 2026 final has been awarded to Ahmedabad on May 31. Ahmedabad has been awarded the venue for the fourth time, after 2022, 2023, and 2025.