IPL 2026: Massive blow for Royal Challengers Bengaluru as M. Chinnaswamy Stadium could lose final hosting rights

As per the normal trend of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the defending champions generally host the final of the tournament in the very next edition. And the same is going to happen in 2026, when the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will get the chance to host the final of the ongoing edition.

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The Rajat Patidar-led side has been fabulous for the last two seasons, with a superb performance in both the batting and bowling departments. They are in a strong position to reach another playoff of the event and can even qualify for the final of the competition.

Uncertainty grows over IPL 2026 final venue as Chinnaswamy faces potential setback

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is anticipated to finalize and announce the dates and venues for the ongoing IPL 2026. The reports claimed that four matches of the competition will be divided between Bengaluru and Punjab. But the former is in danger of losing the final due to the MLA ticket issues.

The IPL 2026 final is expected to be hosted at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where the title holders take part in the encounters. The reports have claimed that if the MLA ticketing issue is not resolved, the board may need to shift it to a different city.

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“IPL 2026 playoffs and final venue will be announced soon. Matches likely to be divided into Punjab and Karnataka, the last time winner should host the final, but MLA ticket issue is creating problems in Bengaluru, and if there is no solution, then BCCI will move the final to another city.” The reports have been expressed.

Reasons behind possible venue change and what it means for tournament planning

Before the IPL 2026 curtain raiser between Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar stated that every MLA should get at least five IPL tickets, claiming that the representatives are ‘VIPs’ who should not wait in line.

Following this incident, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, said that three tickets for the RCB games will be given to the MLAs and MPs in the ongoing IPL. After this, the state’s home minister, G. Parameshwara, dismissed allegations of the misuse of IPL tickets.

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He added that only MLAs themselves or their family members can attend the IPL matches at the venue, explaining that tickets are marked as ‘non-transferable.’

BCCI yet to take final call amid ongoing developments

The BCCI will make the final call on the venues. If they don’t mark the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as the venue to host the final, then New Chandigarh could get the chance to be the host venue of the runners-up, the Punjab Kings.

Bengaluru will meet the Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS only once in the league stage. The game will take place on May 17 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. That will be a massive clash, given their strength in all bases.