The IPL 2026 playoffs and final locations are anticipated to be announced soon by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), while the final’s location is still up in the air.
According to BCCI insiders, Punjab and Karnataka would likely split the playoff games, and Bengaluru may not be able to host the much awaited final due to issues.
According to a BCCI source, it is customary for the reigning champions to host the IPL final. However, disruptions are currently being caused by political issues in Bengaluru, especially those pertaining to MLA tickets.
“IPL 2026 playoffs and final venue will be announced soon. Matches likely to be divided into Punjab and Karnataka, the last time winner should host the final, but MLA ticket issue is creating problems in Bengaluru, and if there is no solution, then BCCI will move the final to another city,” ANI quoted the source as saying.
Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar previously proposed that each MLA be given at least five IPL tickets prior to the IPL 2026 opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), arguing that elected officials are “VIPs” and shouldn’t have to stand in line.
The MLAs and MPs will then receive three tickets for RCB games in the current IPL, according to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Following Shivakumar’s remarks, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara refuted claims that Karnataka MLAs were abusing IPL match tickets, stating that tickets are purchased online and attended by the buyers.
He pointed out that only MLAs or members of their families are permitted to attend IPL games at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, stating that it is explicitly stated as “non-transferable,” meaning that others are not permitted to do so.
