IPL 2026 Final: Ahmedabad Chosen Over Bengaluru – Here’s Why

IPL 2026 Final: Ahmedabad Chosen Over Bengaluru – Here’s Why

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has rejected the claims that Bengaluru was not given the hosting rights for the IPL 2026 final because of the tickets demanded by the MLAs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions, and the final is allotted to the home ground of the previous year’s winners. M Chinnaswamy Stadium has lost the hosting rights for the playoffs and final as well.

Reports were suggesting that the decision was taken due to political reasons, particularly related to the tickets given to the politicians. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association said the reason was not communicated to them.

According to Shivakumar, the reason for the shift is the bigger stadium and its capacity. He said, “The IPL final has been shifted because of the big stadium and its capacity. There is nothing to do with the tickets given to the MLAs. 50 percent tickets will be reserved elsewhere as well,” as quoted by ANI.

Prior Instances of Venue Changes

The final was also shifted from Eden Gardens last year due to weather and other concerns, following the India-Pakistan dispute.

KSCA’s Reaction

Following the announcement by the Indian Cricket Board, KSCA expressed unhappiness after Bengaluru missed out on hosting the mega clash in the 19th season of the tournament.

“KSCA President and legendary Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad was personally in touch with the 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 KSCA statement read.

“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 host marquee fixtures of such scale and importance successfully,” it added.

Impact on the Tournament

The move means Narendra Modi Stadium will host the final for the fourth time in the last five years.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad are the top-performing franchises in the ongoing edition of the cash-rich league.