On May 6, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the schedule for the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The tournament is now set to enter its most thrilling and decisive stage. Following 70 league matches, the battle for the title will commence among the top teams. The matches from Qualifier 1 to the final will take place in Dharamshala, New Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad. The grand finale is scheduled for May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

According to a statement from BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, IPL 2026 is moving into its final phase. The league matches have showcased remarkable performances and nail-biting moments. This season of IPL is reaching its exciting conclusion.

The statement highlighted that the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the largest cricket stadium globally. Due to certain operational and logistical reasons, the playoffs for IPL 2026 will be held across three different stadiums under a special arrangement. Initially, Bengaluru was set to host the final match, but due to specific requests from the local cricket association and officials that fell outside BCCI's established rules and protocols, the venue for the final was changed.

• Qualifier 1: May 26, 2026: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamshala.
• Eliminator: May 27, 2026: New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.
• Qualifier 2: May 29, 2026: New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh.
• Final: May 31, 2026: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

• Qualifier 1: The top two teams from the IPL 2026 points table will face off in this match. The winning team will secure a direct spot in the final. Following this, the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches will take place at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
• Eliminator: This match will feature the teams ranked third and fourth in the IPL 2026 points table.
• Qualifier 2: The team that loses in Qualifier 1 will compete against the winner of the Eliminator. This match will determine the second team to reach the final.
• Final: The winners of Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 will clash in the final match.

Following a significant defeat against the Chennai Super Kings, the Delhi Capitals are now under immense pressure to qualify for the playoffs. Coach Hemang Badani stated that every match is now a 'do or die' situation for the team, emphasizing that collective performance will be crucial for securing victories.