IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has explained why the IPL 2026 final was shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, saying logistical and ticketing challenges made it “untenable” to host the title clash in Bengaluru.
The final will now take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium on May 31. The venue, which can accommodate around 1.30 lakh spectators, was chosen over Bengaluru’s smaller-capacity stadium despite convention usually allowing the defending champions’ home city to host the final. Since Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL 2025, Bengaluru had originally been designated as the host city.
According to Arun Dhumal, one of the biggest issues involved demands for complimentary tickets from the Karnataka government. He said the state has an existing quota system for MLAs, MLCs, and MPs, and fulfilling those commitments at a venue with a seating capacity of under 40,000 would have been extremely difficult.
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Dhumal also pointed to crowd management concerns following last year’s stampede-related challenges and said ticket availability for fans was another major factor. With the IPL final attracting spectators from across the world and the ICC board meetings also scheduled around the same time, the BCCI preferred a larger venue with greater seating inventory and logistical flexibility.
The decision has triggered criticism from some fans who believe Narendra Modi Stadium is repeatedly being favoured for marquee matches. However, Dhumal rejected the claim and said the final would ideally have remained in Bengaluru if circumstances had allowed it. He added that if another franchise such as Chennai Super Kings had won the previous season, the final would similarly have been planned in their home city.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Cricket Association reportedly expressed disappointment over losing hosting rights, insisting it had made adequate preparations for staging the final.
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