The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that Ahmedabad will host the IPL 2026 final on May 31, with playoff matches scheduled across Dharamsala, New Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad due to “operational and logistical considerations.”

The iconic Narendra Modi Stadium—the world’s largest cricket venue—will stage the final for the second time in three seasons, reinforcing Ahmedabad’s growing reputation as a premier destination for marquee Indian Premier League fixtures.

According to the announced schedule, Qualifier 1 between the top two teams will be played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on May 26. The Eliminator, featuring the third and fourth-placed teams, will take place on May 27 at the New International Cricket Stadium, which will also host Qualifier 2 on May 29.

The league stage concludes on May 24, giving teams a brief two-day gap before the playoffs begin.

In a notable change, M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been dropped as the final venue despite being initially designated. The BCCI cited “certain requirements from local authorities” that fell outside its standard protocols as the reason for the shift. Reports indicate that logistical and administrative challenges related to venue clearances may have influenced the decision.

Ahmedabad’s selection continues its recent prominence in hosting major cricket events. The Narendra Modi Stadium also hosted the IPL 2025 final after it was moved from Kolkata due to scheduling and weather concerns.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of Dharamsala and New Chandigarh highlights the BCCI’s effort to expand the geographic reach of high-stakes matches beyond traditional metro cities.

IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule:

Qualifier 1 — May 26 — HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

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