NewsIndia

The IPL 2026 playoffs will take place across three venues: Mullanpur, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. The final was unexpectedly shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad due to local association requirements exceeding BCCI’s guidelines.

Key playoff dates:

• Qualifier 1 is scheduled for May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
• The Eliminator will occur on May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
• Qualifier 2 is set for May 29 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
• The final will happen on May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

BCCI officials confirmed the change. They stated, “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 the fourth time in five years that Ahmedabad will host the IPL final.

The playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season due to special operational and logistical considerations. This adjustment reflects ongoing challenges faced by the league amidst evolving requirements from local entities.