Playoff venues reshuffled as Board of Control for Cricket in India confirms Dharamsala and New Chandigarh for Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2

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The venue for the IPL 2026 final has officially been shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, with the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium set to host the grand finale on May 31. The decision was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), citing logistical and operational constraints raised by local authorities in Bengaluru that fell outside established guidelines.

As part of a unique arrangement for this season, the IPL 2026 playoffs will be staged across three different venues. Qualifier 1 is scheduled to take place at the HPCA Stadium on May 26. Meanwhile, the Eliminator (May 27) and Qualifier 2 (May 29) will be held at the New PCA Stadium.

This three-venue format marks a departure from the traditional two-venue playoff structure seen in previous editions. Notably, in IPL 2025, New Chandigarh hosted Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, while Ahmedabad staged Qualifier 2 and the final.

The revised structure could significantly impact team strategies. Traditionally, Qualifier 2 is played at the same venue as the final, offering continuity and familiarity. However, this year, both Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 winners will need to adapt quickly to a new venue for the final in Ahmedabad, potentially neutralizing any venue advantage.

The change also affects defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who would have otherwise enjoyed home advantage at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium if they reached the final. RCB have had a strong season so far, winning four of their five home games and currently sitting second on the points table with 12 points from nine matches.

At the top of the standings are Punjab Kings with 13 points, while Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans are tied with RCB on 12 points each. Chennai Super Kings remain in contention as well, just two points behind the top five after their recent win.

With playoff venues finalized and the points table tightly contested, IPL 2026 is heading toward an exciting finish, with Ahmedabad set to host what promises to be a high-stakes final.