The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday officially announced the playoffs schedule for the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, confirming that the season will conclude with the grand final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world’s largest cricket stadium.
After 70 league-stage matches, the playoffs begin with Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams in the standings, on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, with a direct berth in the final at stake.
The action will then move to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host the Eliminator on May 27 between the third and fourth-placed teams. The same venue will also stage Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator to determine the second finalist.
In a notable development, Bengaluru was passed over as a host city. The BCCI stated that Bengaluru was originally designated to host the final, but owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that fell outside the scope of its established guidelines and protocols, the venue was shifted and reassigned. Reports suggest the controversy was linked to demands over complimentary tickets for elected representatives.
The multi-venue format for the playoffs has been adopted this season as a one-time arrangement due to logistical factors.
With the schedule now locked in, all eyes turn to the remaining league-stage matches as franchises battle to secure their playoff berths and a shot at glory in Ahmedabad.
