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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 Playoffs, as Ahmedabad is set to host yet another final of the marquee league.
The IPL statement claims that the competition is currently in its pivotal stage following 70 intense league-stage games that were characterised by exceptional performances and thrilling moments.
A direct spot in the Final will be up for grabs in Qualifier 1, which will take place on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala between the top two teams in the standings.
The Eliminator between the third and fourth-place teams will subsequently take place on May 27 at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
On May 29, Qualifier 2 will take place at the same location. The winner of the Eliminator will compete against the loser of Qualifier 1 to determine the second finalist.
The season will conclude with the Grand Final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the world`s biggest stadium, according to the statement released by the BCCI. This will be the 4th final in 5 years that will be hosted in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Playoffs Schedule:
Qualifier 1 – May 26 – HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
Eliminator – May 27 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2 – May 29 – New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh
Final- May 31 – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Punjab Kings are currently at the top of the IPL table and will hope to use the home advantage if they move into the final round. Gujarat Titans are also in the hunt for a play-off spot and could be involved in a home final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Bengaluru was supposed to host the IPL final
Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case. RCB, as the defending champions, were scheduled to host the final.
The IPL statement further said, “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.”
(With ANI Input)
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