Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar has admitted to discussions about postponing the final. Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. At the start of the season, the playoff venues were not officially announced, although the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was considered the primary venue to host one playoff match and the final.
Bengaluru were largely favored as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) was the defending champion, having defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Ahmedabad during IPL 2025. Shivakumar said the proposed changes in the venue were aimed at accommodating larger crowds for the marquee event. He also denied allegations that IPL tickets were being distributed to MLAs.
The issue comes amid a controversy over Karnataka MLAs' demand for complimentary tickets. Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashapanavar had publicly argued that representatives elected as VIPs should get at least five tickets. In response, Shivakumar clarified that MLAs and MPs will be allotted three tickets each for RCB matches.
“The IPL final must have been shifted with the intention that there is a bigger stadium in Ahmedabad and more people will gather. The MLAs have nothing to do with ticket distribution and shifting of the final match. 50% will be reserved somewhere else,” Shivakumar was quoted as saying by News 18.
He also defended the ticket allocation issue and said that 50% reservation system exists at other places also. This development is especially noteworthy as Shivakumar had earlier firmly stated that IPL matches would not be moved out of Bengaluru, calling the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium the pride of the city and the state.
Although the BCCI has not clarified the exact requirements behind the change of venue, the issue has already triggered a wide-ranging political debate in Karnataka, touching upon governance, VIP culture and the loss of a major cricket event for Bengaluru.
IPL playoff schedule released
As per the revised schedule of IPL 2026 playoffs, Qualifier 1 will be held on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium. The tournament will then move to the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host the Eliminator between the third and fourth placed teams on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29. The final will be held on 31 May in Ahmedabad.
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