BCCI announces IPL 2026 playoffs schedule; Narendra Modi Stadium to host final
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has unveiled the schedule for the IPL 2026 playoffs, confirming that the final will once again be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31.
This marks the fourth time Ahmedabad will host an IPL final, having previously staged the summit clash in 2022, 2023 and 2025.
According to the schedule, Qualifier 1 will be played on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, featuring the top two teams. The Eliminator will take place on May 27 at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29.
Originally, Bengaluru was set to host the final at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the venue was shifted due to logistical and operational issues cited by the BCCI, leading to Ahmedabad being chosen as the preferred host city.
The board stated that conducting the playoffs across three venues this season is a special arrangement aimed at ensuring smooth operations and better management of high-profile matches.
With a seating capacity exceeding 100,000, the Narendra Modi Stadium remains the world’s largest cricket venue and has hosted several marquee events, including ICC tournament finals.
The decision, however, has sparked debate among fans, with some expressing disappointment that traditional cricket hubs like Mumbai and Kolkata were overlooked for hosting the final.
As the league stage concludes after 70 matches, attention now shifts to the playoffs, where the top teams will battle for the IPL 2026 title.
