Ahmedabad to host IPL 2026 final again; playoffs spread across northern venues
Ahmedabad
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the grand finale of the Indian Premier League 2026 will be held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, marking the second consecutive year the venue hosts the summit clash.
The world’s largest cricket stadium continues to cement its status as the premier destination for marquee matches, having also staged finals in 2022 and 2023. With its massive capacity and modern infrastructure, Ahmedabad has become a preferred choice for high-stakes encounters.
According to the BCCI schedule, the playoff phase will be distributed across northern venues. Qualifier 1, featuring the top two teams of the league stage, will take place on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The winner of this clash will secure a direct berth in the final.
The action will then shift to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which is set to host the Eliminator on May 27 between the third and fourth-placed teams. The same venue will also stage Qualifier 2 on May 29, where the loser of Qualifier 1 will face the winner of the Eliminator for the remaining spot in the final.
This multi-city playoff format aims to enhance fan engagement while showcasing cricketing infrastructure across regions. Dharamsala’s scenic setting and New Chandigarh’s emerging venue add variety to the high-octane knockout stage.
The tournament will culminate in what promises to be a blockbuster finale in Ahmedabad, with expectations of a packed stadium and a global television audience. The BCCI emphasised that the final at Narendra Modi Stadium will provide a fitting conclusion to another thrilling IPL season.
IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule
- Qualifier 1: May 26 – Dharamsala
- Eliminator: May 27 – New Chandigarh
- Qualifier 2: May 29 – New Chandigarh
- Final: May 31 – Ahmedabad
