Two cities lead race as front-runners to host IPL 2026 playoffs, BCCI to take final call
Two cities have been leading the race to be the front-runners in hosting the Indian Premier League 2026 playoffs as the BCCI will take the final call on the decision.
Be a winner today!
Get the latest cricket updates, Join our community
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has started with lots of excitement and enthusiasm in the first couple of weeks, as all the franchises, apart from the Kolkata Knight Riders, have earned at least one victory to be at the bottom of the points table. They have faced three defeats in four clashes at a net run rate of -1.315.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are at the top of the points table, thanks to four successive victories in as many clashes at a net run rate of +2.055. Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also unbeaten in the campaign with three wins in four encounters, as they faced one wash-out result against the KKR side at the Eden Gardens.
Bengaluru and New Chandigarh in line to host IPL 2026 playoffs
The IPL Governing Council had released the schedule in two phases while waiting for the polling dates for the Assembly Elections in various states throughout the country. It has been noted that the dates for the playoffs will be released later, with Bengaluru and New Chandigarh being the prime candidates.
The final call, however, will be taken later after considering various factors, including the logistics, travel arrangements, broadcast requirements, and other factors. The final will be played at the home venue of the defending champions as per tradition.
That means that the title clash will likely be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The 19th season of the event will have a total of 74 games, of which 70 will be played across the 13 venues, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Dharamsala, and Guwahati.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, as per the current schedule, will host five home games of the RCB side, who will later fly to Raipur for the remaining two home clashes. The venue got the clearance to host the league matches nearly two weeks before the beginning of the competition, following the Karnataka government-appointed expert committee’s approval.
BCCI to announce IPL 2026 playoff venues soon
After the deadly stampede case outside the ground during the victory celebration of the Bengaluru franchise last year, the stadium underwent upgrades before being allowed to host the games.
On the other hand, the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, which is the home venue for the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings (PBKS), will host four encounters, while their rest three home fixtures will be played in Dharamshala.
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai or the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad could be in the race to host one of the games, most likely the Eliminator, for the IPL 2026, whose final is scheduled to be held on May 31.
Tags:
