New Delhi: Final of the 2026 edition of Indian Premier League TOI has learned that the match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31. The possible playoff dates are May 26 (Qualifier 1), May 27 (Eliminator) and May 29 (Qualifier 2). The playoffs will be played in Molanpur and Dharamsala.The decision to host IPL A title clash in Ahmedabad, not Bengaluru, goes against the convention of the final being played at the home of the reigning champions. In that case, the final should have been played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the home of last year’s title winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“Due to certain operational and logistical considerations, the IPL 2026 Playoffs will be held as a special case at three venues this season,” an IPL statement said.“Bengaluru was originally nominated to host the final. However, due to certain demands from the local association and authorities which were outside the scope of BCCI established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been changed and reassigned,” it continued.It is understood that the ongoing administrative mess over tickets at the Chinnaswamy Stadium has forced the Board of Control for Cricket in India to shift the title clash back to the venue that hosted the final of the 2025 edition. Even last year, the IPL final was shifted from Kolkata’s Eden Gardens to Ahmedabad due to weather forecast and the 2026 title is going to be the fourth in the last five years at the venue. Chennai hosted the final in 2024 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.The IPL now enters the business end with as many as seven teams vying for playoff berths. Punjab Kings, last year’s runners-up, lead the table with 13 points from nine matches followed by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals.As many as four teams are tied on 12 points each and the coming week could give a better picture of who is most likely to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.
IPL 2026 Playoffs
May 26: Qualifiers 1 p.m HPCA Stadium, DharamsalaMay 27: At Eliminator New International Cricket Stadium, New ChandigarhMay 29: Qualifiers 2 p.m New International Cricket Stadium, New ChandigarhMay 31: Final Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
