The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) expressed "disappointment" after the BCCI moved the IPL 2026 Final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, despite the defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) conventionally earning the right to host the final.
The BCCI cited "requirements from the local association and authorities" beyond the scope of its established guidelines and protocols for shifting the match. Ahmedabad will now host the title clash, with other playoffs going to Dharamshala and New Chandigarh.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad had originally indicated plans for 7 matches in Bengaluru, including 5 RCB home games, a playoff, and the final.
“At the outset, KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres. KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad was in touch with the BCCI in this regard and had also formally conveyed KSCA's preparedness, willingness, and keen interest in hosting the IPL Playoffs at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium,” said Vinay Mruthyunjaya, KSCA's official spokesperson.
Mruthyunjaya mentioned the association was fully prepared to stage the playoffs, but no specific reasons were formally communicated by the BCCI.
“Despite our preparedness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI has taken a decision to allot these matches to other venues.
“While the specific reasons for the same have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI in this regard,” he added.
Following a tragic stampede during RCB’s maiden IPL title win celebrations that killed 11 fans last year, the KSCA, in association with the franchise and the statement government, invested heavily to overhaul safety and security at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026. Upgrades included installing 300–350 AI-enabled cameras, implementing new crowd management infrastructure, and enhancing emergency protocols.
The five IPL matches in Bengaluru were conducted smoothly, reflecting enhanced security and operational efficiency.
“The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru during the current season were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience.
“In this regard, KSCA had addressed a detailed communication to the BCCI outlining its preparedness and explaining the operational framework under which the current IPL season was conducted in Bengaluru,” Mruthyunjaya said.
Despite the non-allocation of IPL play-off matches, Mruthyunjaya reiterated KSCA’s capability to host national and international fixtures.
“KSCA would like to reiterate that it remains fully prepared to host matches of national and international importance and will continue to extend its fullest support and cooperation to the BCCI, franchises, government authorities, and all stakeholders for the successful conduct of cricketing events in India,” he said.
Chinnaswamy Stadium will resume hosting international cricket later this year, as India will face West Indies in the fifth T20I on October 17. The second ODI between India and Sri Lanka will also be held here on December 16.
(With PTI Inputs)
