New Delhi: IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has clarified why Ahmedabad was selected over Bengaluru to host the IPL 2026 final, citing logistical challenges, ticketing demands, and stadium capacity constraints as key reasons behind the decision.

The final of IPL 2026 will now be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 31, instead of Bengaluru, which was initially designated as the host city as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions.

Ticket demand and capacity concerns led to shift

Explaining the decision, Dhumal said it became “untenable” to organise the final in Bengaluru due to the high demand for complimentary tickets from the Karnataka government, combined with the relatively smaller seating capacity of the stadium.

As per existing norms, the state government is entitled to a quota of complimentary tickets for MLAs, MLCs, and MPs. With the M Chinnaswamy Stadium accommodating around 40,000 spectators, fulfilling these obligations while ensuring sufficient ticket availability for fans posed a significant challenge.

“Stadium capacity is not that high, and very few tickets were available even during league matches. For a final, we need a larger inventory for fans,” Dhumal said.

Ahmedabad offers larger capacity and global readiness

In contrast, Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium — the largest cricket stadium in the world with a seating capacity of around 1.30 lakh — was seen as a more suitable venue to host a high-profile final.

Dhumal emphasised that the IPL final attracts spectators from across the globe, making it essential to choose a venue that can accommodate a large number of fans as well as international guests.

The timing of the final also coincides with an ICC board meeting, which is expected to bring several global cricket administrators to India. This further strengthened the case for a larger venue with better logistical capabilities.

“Considering the convenience of fans and international guests, we felt a larger venue like Ahmedabad was more appropriate,” he added.

Bengaluru faced additional logistical hurdles

Dhumal also pointed out that the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) had its own commitments and logistical challenges, particularly in the aftermath of issues faced during previous high-profile events.

These factors, combined with government requirements and capacity limitations, made it difficult for the BCCI to proceed with Bengaluru as the host city for the final.

Despite Bengaluru being the conventional choice due to RCB’s title-winning campaign last season, the board opted to prioritise operational feasibility and fan access.

‘No favouritism towards Ahmedabad’

Addressing criticism that Ahmedabad is frequently chosen to host marquee IPL matches, Dhumal denied any bias in favour of the venue.

“Ideally, the defending champion’s home ground hosts the final. If Chennai Super Kings had won, we would have considered Chennai. But in this case, practical challenges made Bengaluru unviable,” he explained.

The clarification comes amid disappointment from KSCA, which had expressed readiness to host the final and fulfil organisational requirements.

Balancing fan access and governance

The decision reflects the BCCI’s attempt to balance multiple factors, including government protocols, fan accessibility, and international commitments. With the IPL final being one of the most-watched cricket events globally, ensuring smooth operations and maximum attendance remains a top priority.

Ahmedabad’s infrastructure and capacity give it a clear edge in handling such large-scale events, particularly when demand for tickets far exceeds supply.

Conclusion

While Bengaluru missed out on hosting the IPL 2026 final despite RCB’s championship status, the BCCI’s decision underscores the importance of logistical feasibility and inclusivity for fans. By choosing Ahmedabad, the board has prioritised scale and accessibility, ensuring that the grand finale can be staged with minimal constraints and maximum reach.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)