Mullanpur Hosts IPL 2026 Playoffs Amid Venue Shift
The IPL 2026 playoffs are set to unfold across three venues: Mullanpur, Dharamsala, and Ahmedabad. This season, the matches will include Qualifier 1 on May 26 at HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, followed by the Eliminator on May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
In a surprising turn of events, the final, originally planned for M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, has been moved to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that this shift was necessary due to specific local association requirements that exceeded their established guidelines.
BCCI representatives explained, “Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, 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 and reassigned.” This marks Ahmedabad’s fourth time hosting the IPL final in five years.
Key playoff dates:
- Qualifier 1: May 26 at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
- Eliminator: May 27 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Qualifier 2: May 29 at New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
- Final: May 31 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
As fans gear up for the playoffs, many are looking forward to seeing how teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings perform in these crucial matches. The playoffs promise excitement as teams vie for a spot in the final.
The playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season due to special operational and logistical considerations. With a total of 70 league matches played before the playoffs begin, anticipation is high among cricket enthusiasts.
