BCCI Shifts IPL 2026 Final to Ahmedabad from Bengaluru

The Board of Control for Cricket in India shifted the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium after the Karnataka State Cricket Association requested approximately 10,000 additional complimentary tickets beyond the league's 15 percent limit, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said Thursday.

Bengaluru had been slated to host the final on May 31 and one playoff match, in line with IPL protocol granting the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, hosting rights at their home venue. The 35,000-capacity Chinnaswamy Stadium was deemed unsuitable after the association's demands, which a BCCI source said totaled 10,057 extra passes. These included about 900 tickets for state legislators, at three passes each for members of the legislative assembly and council, plus 700 for the state government and others for affiliated clubs and members.

Saikia told reporters the BCCI grew concerned after reports of excess complimentary tickets during Bengaluru's league-stage matches. "We sent them an email requesting precise details," he said. "We were shocked when we received a response via email from the Karnataka State Cricket Association on...