Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 6: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the playoff schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026 season, confirming that Ahmedabad will stage the grand finale on May 31.
After the completion of 70 league matches, the playoffs will begin with Qualifier 1 on May 26 at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. This match will feature the top two teams, with the winner securing a direct spot in the final.
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 see the third- and fourth-placed teams battle for survival, while Qualifier 2 will decide the second finalist between the Eliminator winner and the Qualifier 1 loser.
The tournament will culminate at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue, promising a high-profile finish to the season.
In a departure from tradition, the final will not be held at the home ground of the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium was initially slated to host the summit clash, but the BCCI cited logistical and regulatory constraints from local authorities that were beyond its standard guidelines.
As a result, the board opted to distribute the playoffs across three venues this season as a special arrangement, ensuring smooth conduct of the high-stakes matches.
IPL 2026 Playoff 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