Chief Minister-designate and Karnataka Congress President D.K. Shivakumar claimed that the IPL final was moved from Karnataka to Ahmedabad due to influence from Gujarat, depriving local fans of hosting the match. Shivakumar expressed disappointment, stating that the necessary permissions were in place for Karnataka to host the final, but it was shifted to Ahmedabad by those from Gujarat.
Shivakumar emphasized efforts to prevent future loss of major sporting events from Karnataka, ensuring that matches remain in the state. He highlighted the injustice to the state’s cricket infrastructure and youth, mentioning the disappointment of young cricket enthusiasts who missed the opportunity to watch the final at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Congratulating the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team on their successful campaign, Shivakumar praised the franchise for bringing pride to Karnataka. He commended the players for their exceptional performance and wished them continued success, acknowledging their achievement as a source of pride for the state.
Shivakumar, looking towards the future, expressed confidence in Karnataka’s continued significant role in Indian cricket. Despite past differences, he emphasized moving forward and focusing on a new beginning, highlighting the success story of the RCB team and the positive outlook for Karnataka in cricket.
The IPL 2026 final, initially planned at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, was relocated to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The decision was attributed to specific requirements from local authorities and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) that exceeded the board’s guidelines and protocols.
