The Board of Control for Cricket in India moved the Indian Premier League 2026 final from Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday, citing requirements from local authorities beyond established BCCI protocols. Bengaluru, home to reigning champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has also been excluded from the playoff schedule, with Dharamshala and New Chandigarh hosting the Qualifier 1, Qualifier 2 and Eliminator matches.

An IPL media advisory stated the venue change resulted from demands by the local association and authorities that fell outside BCCI guidelines. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar denied speculation that the move related to legislators seeking match passes, attributing the shift to Ahmedabad's larger seating capacity and ability to accommodate more attendees.

Former Karnataka cricketer Anand Katti and numerous Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans criticized the decision, noting upgraded safety protocols and crowd management measures successfully implemented during league matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Some supporters cited last year's stampede and limited capacity as justification for the shift, while others questioned the recurrence of Ahmedabad as the host city after IPL 2025's final was also moved there from Kolkata.

The BCCI has not outlined a revised protocol for future host city allocations or indicated whether Bengaluru will be prioritized for upcoming high-profile fixtures. Fans and stakeholders have demanded a public explanation for the venue change as the league progresses toward the knockout stages.