The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially shifted the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 final from Bengaluru to Narendra Modi Stadium, citing operational and logistical considerations beyond its standard guidelines.
As per the revised schedule, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium will host Qualifier 1 on May 26, while the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium will stage the Eliminator on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29.
The decision marks a departure from the usual format, with playoff matches spread across three venues this season, giving no direct home advantage to any team in the final.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association expressed surprise at the move, stating they were prepared to host matches in Bengaluru but respected the BCCI’s final decision despite not receiving formal communication on the reasons.
This change also impacts teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who will miss out on potential home advantage in the final despite strong form at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium this season.
With the playoff race heating up, teams such as Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings remain firmly in contention as the league phase approaches its climax.
