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Bengaluru Stripped of IPL 2026 Final Despite Full Readiness, KSCA Disappointed

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has expressed disappointment after Bengaluru was stripped of the right to host the IPL 2026 final and playoffs. The BCCI announced that the final will be held in Ahmedabad, with Dharamshala and New Chandigarh hosting other playoff games. KSCA stated it had formally communicated its readiness and eagerness to host the matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with legendary cricketer Venkatesh Prasad personally contacting the BCCI. Despite the setback, KSCA fully respects the BCCI's authority to make the final decision.

Key Points: Bengaluru Loses IPL 2026 Final to Ahmedabad: KSCA Disappointed

  • BCCI moves IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad
  • KSCA expresses disappointment despite full preparedness
  • KSCA highlights successful match management this season
  • Venkatesh Prasad personally contacted BCCI for hosting rights
  • KSCA respects BCCI's final decision
2 min read

IPL 2026: KSCA voices disappointment after Bengaluru is stripped of rights to host final despite 'full preparedness'

KSCA voices disappointment after BCCI moves IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad despite full preparedness and smooth match management.

"Despite our readiness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI chose to assign these matches to other venues. - KSCA Statement"

Bengaluru, May 6

The Karnataka State Cricket Association is disappointed that Bengaluru will not host the IPL 2026 playoffs and final, even though it was originally named as the venue for the final match.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced that the final will take place in Ahmedabad, while Dharamshala and New Chandigarh will host the other playoff games.

In an official statement on Wednesday, KSCA said it had formally communicated its willingness to host the important matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Spokesperson Vinay Mruthyunjaya noted that the association worked hard at the highest levels to secure the hosting rights.

"KSCA President and legendary Indian cricketer Venkatesh Prasad personally contacted the BCCI about this matter and formally expressed KSCA's readiness, eagerness, and strong interest in hosting the IPL Playoffs at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the statement said.

KSCA highlighted its successful track record this season by pointing out the smooth execution of matches in Bengaluru. "The IPL matches held in Bengaluru this season received positive feedback for the way they were managed, including crowd control, operational efficiency, and overall fan experience. This confirms KSCA's ability to host important events of this scale," it stated.

The association explained that its communications with the BCCI were strictly operational, aimed at ensuring transparency about match arrangements.

"Most of these arrangements and protocols have been consistently followed since the IPL began in 2008. They were also implemented uniformly this season, including during the earlier playoff matches held in Bengaluru," the statement said.

It added, "The communication from KSCA was purely factual, operational, and intended to clarify logistical and stakeholder-related needs for hosting these high-profile matches."

Even though it is disappointed, KSCA recognises the BCCI's authority in making the final decision. "Despite our readiness and willingness to host the Playoffs, we understand that the BCCI chose to assign these matches to other venues. While we have not received a formal explanation for this decision, we fully respect the BCCI's right to make it."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priyanka N
Look, I get that BCCI wants to showcase the new Motera stadium, but stripping Bengaluru of the final after it was announced is not a good look. The Chinnaswamy Stadium has hosted countless high-pressure matches smoothly. Hope the BCCI explains the reasoning properly instead of leaving KSCA in the dark.
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Rahul R
Typical BCCI - all about money and politics now. Bengaluru has one of the best cricket grounds and passionate crowds. But no, they want to fill that 1.3 lakh capacity stadium in Ahmedabad even if half the seats remain empty. Venkatesh Prasad must be fuming inside despite the diplomatic statement.
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Anjali F
Honestly, after last season's traffic nightmare near Chinnaswamy and the water crisis during summer, maybe it's for the best. The city gets overwhelmed during big matches. Ahmedabad has better infrastructure for such massive events now. Sometimes we need to accept that other cities deserve the spotlight too. 🌸
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Sneha F
The KSCA statement is very dignified - no tantrums, just stating facts and respecting the decision. That's how professional organizations should behave. But yes, as a cricket fan from Karnataka, it stings. Chinnaswamy's atmosphere is unmatched, especially during RCB matches. Hope the BCCI rotation policy becomes more transparent.
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Karthik V
People forget that Bengaluru hosted the 2011 World Cup final and did a fantastic job. The Chinnaswamy pitch offers a fair contest between bat and ball unlike some highways they prepare elsewhere. BCCI should have given

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