The BCCI has revealed the reason behind shifting the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad and the explanation has sparked major discussion.
On Thursday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the decision was linked to the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s (KSCA) demand for a large number of complimentary tickets beyond the permitted limit.
The BCCI recently announced the venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs. According to the updated schedule, the final will now be played in Ahmedabad instead of Bengaluru. Meanwhile, the first qualifier is set to take place in Dharamsala on May 26. The Eliminator and Qualifier 2 will be held in New Chandigarh on May 27 and May 29 respectively.
Speaking to media, Devajit Saikia explained that IPL rules clearly allow host state associations to receive complimentary tickets amounting to only 15 percent of the stadium’s total seating capacity. He said this policy applies equally to all state associations hosting IPL matches.
However, the BCCI reportedly received information that the KSCA had been asking for a much higher number of free tickets during league-stage matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
After receiving those inputs, the board contacted the KSCA seeking detailed clarification. According to Devajit Saikia, the BCCI was surprised by the response sent by the Karnataka association on May 2.
He claimed that the KSCA requested a substantial number of extra complimentary tickets in addition to the existing 15 percent quota. The requests were reportedly meant for the KSCA members, affiliated clubs and several other groups.
Devajit Saikia further alleged that the demands also included tickets for local MLAs, Members of the Legislative Council and even the Karnataka government. He stated that around 700 complimentary tickets were sought for the state government alone.
According to the BCCI secretary, the total number of additional tickets requested was close to 10,000, far beyond the approved allocation under IPL rules.
The issue comes just months after Karnataka deputy chief minister D. K. Shivakumar announced in March that MLAs would receive three complimentary tickets for IPL matches. Legislators were also promised two free tickets for international matches along with the option to buy two more tickets.
The decision had reportedly come after discussions with the KSCA officials, as several legislators had raised concerns regarding ticket distribution and seating arrangements at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Soon after, Assembly Speaker U T Khader directed the Karnataka government to ensure that every MLA receives four VIP tickets for matches played at the venue.
The controversy has now added a fresh twist to the IPL playoff venue changes, with the BCCI making its stand very clear on the matter.
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