IPL 2026 Playoffs Venues: Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala, Eliminator and Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh, Final in Ahmedabad – BCCI changed Bengaluru’s plan, why RCB fans are angry?

BCCI announced the IPL 2026 playoffs schedule on 6 May 2026. The biggest news this time is that the final will be played at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium instead of Bengaluru (M. Chinnaswamy Stadium) – where the final will be held for the third time in the last four years (2022, 2023, 2025, 2026).

Qualifier 1 (26 May) will be held at Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium, while Eliminator (27 May) and Qualifier 2 (29 May) – both will be played at New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) New International Cricket Stadium. This is the first time playoffs are spread across three different cities.

Bengaluru’s local cricket association (KSCA) said they were ready to host, but BCCI shifted the venue without giving a formal reason. This decision has disappointed RCB fans, while Gujarat Titans (GT) supporters are celebrating. This article presents a data-based analysis of IPL 2026 playoffs venues, reasons behind the venue shift, social media reactions, and advantages of each venue.

Key Takeaways On IPL 2026 Playoffs Venues

• Qualifier 1: 26 May 2026, HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala – between top 2 teams, match to go directly to final.
• Eliminator: 27 May 2026, New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) – third and fourth placed teams.
• Qualifier 2: 29 May 2026, New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh – between Q1 loser and Eliminator winner.
• Final: 31 May 2026, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – world’s largest cricket stadium (1.32 lakh capacity).
• Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy) was removed from hosting final; KSCA expressed displeasure.
• Reasons: local association’s excessive demand for complimentary tickets (more than 15%), logistics, overlap with ICC meeting, and Ahmedabad’s better infrastructure.
• GT’s record in Ahmedabad: won finals in 2022, 2023, 2025 (when they reached). This time GT fans are very excited.
• Despite being defending champions, RCB will not get home advantage.
• Appreciation for Dharamshala’s scenic beauty and fresh ground, New Chandigarh gets chance to host back to back knockout matches.

Full Schedule at a Glance (Confirmed by BCCI on May 6, 2026)

Match	Date	Venue	City	Time (IST)
Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd)	26 May 2026 (Tuesday)	HPCA Stadium	Dharamshala	7:30 PM
Eliminator (3rd vs 4th)	27 May 2026 (Wednesday)	New International Cricket Stadium	New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)	7:30 PM
Qualifier 2 (Loser Q1 vs Winner Elim)	29 May 2026 (Friday)	New International Cricket Stadium	New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)	7:30 PM
Final	31 May 2026 (Sunday)	Narendra Modi Stadium	Ahmedabad	7:30 PM

Dharamshala will host an IPL knockout match for the first time (only league matches have been held earlier). New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) had also hosted some playoffs matches in 2025, but this time two matches – Eliminator and Qualifier 2 – on back to back third and fifth day. Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium is becoming a regular destination for IPL final.

Why Bengaluru Lost the Final: KSCA vs BCCI Controversy

According to BCCI’s official statement, “Owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted.” Decoding this: KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) had demanded an increased number of complimentary tickets, which was far more than BCCI’s rules (usually 15% quota).

According to some reports, KSCA asked for 35-40% tickets free, which BCCI rejected. Besides, heat and humidity at Chinnaswamy Stadium in late May could also have been a factor. Bengaluru also has a possibility of rain. Ahmedabad has better organization possible with retractable roof and air conditioned lounges.

KSCA’s reaction: KSCA issued a press release saying – “Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues. While the specific reasons have not been formally communicated, we respect BCCI’s authority.” This was like expressing displeasure in a diplomatic way.

Bengaluru fans (especially RCB supporters) vented their anger on Twitter. One tweet went viral – “RCB defended the title? No. We don’t even get a home final. What’s the point of being defending champions?” Another wrote – “KSCA’s greed stole the final.”

Ahmedabad Final Advantage: Will GT benefit?

Narendra Modi Stadium is Gujarat Titans’ home ground. GT won the final here in their first season in 2022 (GT defeated RR). The 2023 final was also held here (CSK vs GT, which CSK won). The 2025 final (RCB vs PBKS) was also held here.

So GT’s knockout record in Ahmedabad: 1 win (2022), 1 loss (2023). But this season GT has performed well and has a possibility of finishing in top 4. According to fans – “Narendra Modi Stadium is GT’s fortress.” Another post – “GT’s final is confirmed. Now just qualify.”

But note: Before the final, Qualifier 2 is in New Chandigarh, whose winner will go to Ahmedabad – meaning the winner of Q2 will have to travel for the final. Meanwhile, the winner of Q1 (the team that directly reaches the final) will get 5 days of rest between 26 May and 31 May and will need to be ready to go to Ahmedabad.

This is a little unusual because usually Q2 and final are at the same venue (like in 2024 Chennai, 2023 Ahmedabad, 2025 Ahmedabad – Q2 and final same venue). This time BCCI has called it a “one-off arrangement.”

Dharamshala Gets Qualifier 1: A blockbuster clash in the mountains

HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala is about 1,457 meters above sea level. It is counted among the most beautiful cricket stadiums in the world. An IPL playoff match is happening here for the first time. Some league matches were held here in 2025 (some home matches of Punjab Kings). Now Qualifier 1 – where the first and second placed teams on the points table will face off. The winner of this match directly reaches the final on 31 May.

Excitement among fans: #DharamshalaPlayoffs is trending on Twitter. One user wrote – “Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala with snow-capped mountains in background. Take my money. I will reach by train.” Bus bookings have also started. Challenge: Parking and accommodation are limited in Dharamshala. BCCI has advised fans to make travel plans in advance.

New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) – Double Knockout Action

Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium (also called New PCA Stadium) is located in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. It hosted its first IPL match in 2025. This time it will host two consecutive knockout matches – Eliminator (27 May) and Qualifier 2 (29 May).

In the Eliminator, the third and fourth placed teams play; the loser is out. In Qualifier 2, the losing team of Q1 and the winning team of Eliminator face each other. The winner of this match goes to the final.

Mullanpur’s specialty: fast pitch, good outfield and capacity of about 38,000. Cricket enthusiasts of Punjab are eager to watch. However, some fans complain that ticketing for back to back two matches and staying in the same city with a two-day gap will be expensive. But BCCI says that this will require fans to travel less for both matches (same center).

Social Media Buzz: What are fans saying on X? (14-15 May 2026)

Hashtags #IPL2026Playoffs, #NarendraModiStadium, #Dharamshala continue to trend. Let’s look at reactions from different fan groups:

GT (Gujarat Titans) Fans:

• “Final in Ahmedabad confirmed. GT will lift the trophy. 2022, 2023, 2025 pattern? GT wins when final is here.”
• “Kya baat hai. BCCI kept the final for GT. Now just win Qualifier 1.”

RCB / Bengaluru Fans (disappointed):

• “Year after year, we choke. And now we don’t even get home final. KSCA and BCCI, both failed us.”
• “Defending champions should get to host the final. Is this a joke? #JusticeForRCB”
• “RCB’s record at Chinnaswamy in 2026 is 4 out of 4 wins (only one loss). If they had home advantage, maybe final was guaranteed.”

Neutral / Cricket Lovers:

• “Great to see Dharamshala get a playoff. Scenic venue + high stakes = blockbuster.”
• “Two knockout matches in Mullanpur – this will boost Punjab cricket.”
• “Ahmedabad again? Need some variety. 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026 – final at the same place. Come on.”

Punjab Kings Fans (home venue advantage not applicable as PBKS may not be in top 4):

• “At least we get to watch two matches in Mullanpur. PBKS may not be in top 4, but we are fans.”

Some memes and viral posts:

• “BCCI thinks that Ahmedabad is India. The rest are West Indies.”
• Photo of GT jersey with caption: “Gentlemen, start your bookings for May 31.”

Impact on Teams’ Qualification Scenarios: Who benefits now?

Points table as of mid-May (before last league matches) has PBKS (13 points), RCB (12), SRH (12), RR (12), GT (12) at the top. That means any of the top 4 teams can reach playoffs. According to venues:

• If RCB finishes 1st or 2nd: Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala – not home, but still good pitch. If RCB loses, then Qualifier 2 in New Chandigarh (neutral). RCB gets home advantage nowhere.
• If GT finishes 1st or 2nd: Reaching the final is not like playing in Ahmedabad, but if they directly reach the final they get home venue (Ahmedabad). GT fans say the team will try hard to win Q1.
• If PBKS finishes top 2: Their Q1 in Dharamshala, which is considered their occasional second home ground (apart from Mullanpur). PBKS have played some matches in Dharamshala. Slight familiarity.

But the real big change is that Q2 and final are not in the same city like previous years. So the winner of Q2 will have to travel and adjust. This may seem a little unfair, but BCCI has called it a “special case.”

Ticket Sales and Travel Tips (for fans)

• Dharamshala tickets: Likely to go live on BookMyShow and Paytm by May 18-20. Capacity around 23,000. Limited seats – expect high demand. Airport: Gaggal Airport (Kangra), bus or taxi to stadium 30-40 minutes.
• New Chandigarh tickets: Capacity ~38,000. Combo tickets for both matches will also be available. Nearest airport: Chandigarh International Airport, 10 km from stadium. Accessible for fans from Haryana and Punjab.
• Ahmedabad final: 1.32 lakh seats, but will sell out quickly like previous years. BCCI has made a rule of 15% complimentary tickets, but rumor is that GT may get extra quota.

Fans should avoid touts and use official channels only.

Final Summary Table – IPL 2026 Playoffs Venues

Match	Date	Venue	City	Capacity	Notable Feature
Qualifier 1	26 May 2026	HPCA Stadium	Dharamshala	~23,000	Scenic mountain backdrop, first-time playoff
Eliminator	27 May 2026	New International Cricket Stadium	New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)	~38,000	Second IPL season, fast pitch
Qualifier 2	29 May 2026	New International Cricket Stadium	New Chandigarh (Mullanpur)	~38,000	Back to back knockout at same venue
Final	31 May 2026	Narendra Modi Stadium	Ahmedabad	1,32,000	World’s largest cricket stadium; retractable roof; 4th final in 5 years

Additional Facts:

• Defending champions RCB were scheduled to host final, but shifted due to KSCA’s excessive ticket demands.
• This is the first time playoffs spread across three distinct venues (not counting 2025 had two).
• GT has a 50% win record in Ahmedabad finals (1 win, 1 loss as finalist).
• Dharamshala’s HPCA Stadium previously hosted only league matches; this is its first knockout.
• BCCI may revert to traditional model (one venue for Q2+Final) from 2027.

The decision of IPL 2026 playoffs venues has been taken by BCCI from both commercial and administrative perspectives. Repeatedly giving the final to Ahmedabad may cause disappointment, but it is the world’s largest stadium, which sponsors and broadcasters prefer.

The selection of Dharamshala and Mullanpur will give new cities the experience of big matches. Yes, it is a big shock for defending champion RCB that they did not get a home final. But a real champion is one who can win at any venue. Regardless of which teams they are, from 26 May to 31 May we will get to witness some excellent knockouts. Hail cricket.