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IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad; Mullanpur and Dharamsala to host playoffs as Bengaluru loses out
TL;DR
The IPL 2026 final will take place in Ahmedabad on May 31, with playoffs hosted in Mullanpur and Dharamsala. Bengaluru loses its chance to host the final due to operational issues.
Key points
- IPL 2026 final on May 31 in Ahmedabad
- Playoffs scheduled for May 26, 27, and 29
- Mullanpur and Dharamsala to host playoffs
- Bengaluru loses hosting rights due to operational issues
- Shift from convention of hosting final at champions' home
New Delhi: The final of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League is set to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, TOI has learnt. The likely dates for the playoffs are May 26 (Qualifier 1), May 27 (Eliminator) and May 29 (Qualifier 2). The playoffs will be played in Mullanpur and Dharamsala.
The decision to host the IPL title clash in Ahmedabad, not Bengaluru, goes against the convention of the final being played at the home of the reigning champions. In this case, the final should have been played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, home of last year's title winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
"Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case," said an IPL statement.
"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," it continued.
It is understood that the ongoing administrative mess regarding the tickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India to shift the title clash back to the venue that hosted the 2025 edition's final.
Even last year, the IPL final was moved from Kolkata's Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad due to weather forecast and 2026's title clash is going to be the fourth at that venue in last five years. Chennai hosted the final between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024.
The IPL is now entering the business end with as many as seven teams in contention for a playoffs berth. Punjab Kings, last year's runners-up, are top of the table with 13 points from nine matches and are followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.
As many as four teams are tied at 12 points each and the coming week could give a better picture of who is more likely to advance to the knockout stage of the tournament.
IPL 2026 PLAYOFFS
May 26: Qualifier 1 at HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
May 27: Eliminator at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
May 29: Qualifier 2 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
May 31: Final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Q&A
Why is the IPL 2026 final being held in Ahmedabad instead of Bengaluru?
The final is in Ahmedabad due to operational and logistical issues that affected Bengaluru's ability to host the event.
What are the dates for the IPL 2026 playoffs?
The IPL 2026 playoffs are scheduled for May 26 (Qualifier 1), May 27 (Eliminator), and May 29 (Qualifier 2).
Which venues will host the IPL 2026 playoffs?
The playoffs will be held in Mullanpur and Dharamsala.
