KSCA left disappointed as Bengaluru misses out on IPL 2026 playoffs, final

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has expressed disappointment at being overlooked as a host for the IPL 2026 playoffs and final, with questions lingering over the venue allocation by the BCCI.

In a clarification issued on Wednesday, KSCA said it had formally communicated its "preparedness, willingness, and keen interest" in hosting the playoff matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with president Venkatesh Prasad personally engaging with the BCCI.

"KSCA expresses its disappointment that the IPL Playoff matches have been allotted to other centres," the statement read, noting that Bengaluru had successfully conducted its five league matches this season. "The IPL matches conducted in Bengaluru were widely appreciated for their smooth execution, crowd management, operational efficiency, and overall spectator experience."

The BCCI decided to stage the playoffs in Dharamsala and Mullanpur – both home venues of last season's runners-up Punjab Kings – while awarding the final to Ahmedabad for the fourth time in five editions since the rebuilt Motera stadium came into use. Bengaluru, home of defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, had been expected to host the final as per convention.

Explaining the move, the BCCI stated: "Owing to certain operational and logistical considerations, the TATA IPL 2026 Playoffs will be conducted across three venues this season as a special case." It added the shift was due to "certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols."

KSCA stressed its communication was "purely factual, operational, and clarificatory in nature," aimed at providing "transparency and clarity" regarding hosting requirements. It noted the operational framework in Bengaluru has been "consistently followed since the inception of the IPL in 2008" and implemented uniformly this season.

"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 have not been formally communicated to KSCA, we fully respect the prerogative and decision-making authority of the BCCI," the statement added.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium, which had not hosted matches following last year's stampede after RCB's victory parade, was cleared to stage IPL 2026 games after a successful safety review. The BCCI also allocated two international matches – a T20I against Sri Lanka and an ODI against West Indies – to the venue.

KSCA reiterated its commitment to hosting marquee fixtures, stating it "remains fully prepared and committed to hosting matches of national and international importance."