BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia explained that the IPL 2026 final was relocated from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad due to the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s excessive demand for complimentary tickets. Initially, Bengaluru was set to host the final, but the decision was changed, with Ahmedabad now hosting the final on May 31.
The HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala will host Qualifier 1 on May 26, while the new PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh will hold the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on May 27 and 29, respectively. Saikia emphasized that state associations are entitled to 15 percent of the total capacity as complimentary tickets, but Karnataka was requesting more than this allocation.
Saikia further elaborated that Karnataka’s demand for additional tickets for various groups, including MLAs, MLCs, and the government, exceeded the permissible limits. This led to the decision to move the matches out of Bengaluru to ensure compliance with IPL rules and regulations. Ahmedabad was chosen as the new venue due to its suitability and high demand for tickets.
