BCCI unveils IPL 2026 playoffs schedule with Dharamshala and New Chandigarh hosting key matches before the final in Ahmedabad.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Virat Kohli displays the Indian Premier League (IPL) winners' trophy to the fans at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (Photo: IANS)
As the Indian Premier League 2026 season approaches its climax, the Board of Control for Cricket in India on Wednesday unveiled the playoffs schedule, confirming Ahmedabad as the host for the grand finale on May 31.
With the league stage nearing its conclusion after 70 scheduled matches, the tournament will enter its decisive phase, beginning with Qualifier 1 on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. The clash between the top two teams will offer a direct berth in the final.
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Ahmedabad will host the #IPL2026 final, as the BCCI on Wednesday revealed the schedule for the playoffs. Qualifier 1 will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on May 26, the Eliminator on May 27, and Qualifier 2 on May 29 in New Chandigarh.@IPL | @BCCI | #IPLFinal… pic.twitter.com/oytBOkye5M
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— The Statesman (@TheStatesmanLtd) May 6, 2026
The action will then shift to the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh, which will host both the Eliminator on May 27 and Qualifier 2 on May 29. The Eliminator will feature the third and fourth-placed teams, while Qualifier 2 will see the loser of Qualifier 1 take on the Eliminator winner for the remaining spot in the final.
“The season will conclude with the grand final on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket stadium, setting the stage for a spectacular finale,” the BCCI said in a statement.
In a notable development, the playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season owing to operational and logistical considerations.
Bengaluru was initially designated to host the final, in line with tradition, as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru would have staged the summit clash at their home ground.
However, the board clarified that certain requirements from local authorities fell “beyond the scope of BCCI’s established guidelines and protocols,” prompting a change in venue.
Qualifier 1: May 26 – Dharamshala
Eliminator: May 27 – New Chandigarh
Qualifier 2: May 29 – New Chandigarh
Final: May 31 – Ahmedabad
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