"We always choose larger stadiums to host major fixtures": BCCI VP Shukla responds to DK Shivakumar's remarks
New Delhi, June 1
The Board of Control for Cricket in India Vice President Rajeev Shukla on Monday said Ahmedabad was chosen as the venue for the Indian Premier League 2026 final because of its large seating capacity, allowing more spectators to attend and helping generate substantial revenue.
Responding to Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar's statement on the venue selection, Shukla told reporters that the BCCI prioritises stadiums with larger capacities while allotting major matches such as playoffs and finals.
"The playoff matches are BCCI-organised matches; we always strive to host major fixtures, such as the finals, in stadiums with large capacities. This ensures that substantial revenue is generated and that the maximum number of spectators can be accommodated," Shukla said.
He added that Ahmedabad was selected keeping these factors in mind.
"That is precisely why we selected Ahmedabad; with a seating capacity exceeding 1,00,000, it makes it much easier to accommodate everyone, including our members and various other attendees," he said.
This comes after Shivakumar on Monday stressed that no injustice was done to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but felt that Bengaluru and Karnataka's youngsters were deprived as the Indian Premier League (IPL) final was shifted to Ahmedabad instead of the state's capital.
As defending champions heading into IPL 2026, Bengaluru were initially set to host the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later shifted the marquee match to Ahmedabad.
"Injustice has not been done to RCB. Injustice has been done to Bengaluru and Karnataka youngsters. The IPL final was supposed to be played here. But it happened in Ahmedabad. Whatever happened last time, we have all forgotten it and have started a new beginning," DK Shivakumar told the reporters.
Last month, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, while reflecting on the decision, said shifting the final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad was taken after the Karnataka State Cricket Association allegedly sought complimentary tickets far beyond the permitted quota.
Saikia explained that, under IPL protocol, the defending champions are entitled to host the final and one playoff match at their home venue, which would have made Bengaluru the natural choice after Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title-winning campaign last season.
However, the BCCI decided to move the matches following what it described as excessive ticket demands from the state association. Saikia said that host associations are entitled to only 15 per cent of the stadium's seating capacity as complimentary tickets.
"The BCCI and the IPL announced the venues for the playoff matches. We have the Qualifiers and Playoffs, as well as the Final match. Therefore, we have selected three venues. One venue is Dharamshala; the first playoff match will take place there. Subsequently, there will be an Eliminator and another playoff match. Thus, the second and third matches will be held in New Chandigarh, while the Final is scheduled to take place on May 31st at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad," Saikia told the reporter.
Meanwhile, RCB clinched IPL 2026 glory, riding on a stunning 75* off 42 by Virat Kohli, to beat Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 final in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
RCB gunned down a tricky 156 runs to join five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the elite list of clubs to have won back-to-back IPL titles.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Disappointing that Bengaluru fans are missing out, but I understand the commercial logic. The IPL is a business at the end of the day. The real issue is KSCA asking for too many free tickets - that just doesn't work in professional cricket anymore.
DK Shivakumar has a point - our local youngsters lost a golden opportunity to see their heroes play a final at home. But BCCI's logic about capacity and revenue is undeniable. Maybe the solution is to expand Chinnaswamy Stadium? 🏏
Honestly, the bigger issue is why KSCA thought they could demand excessive complimentary tickets. Every state association knows the rule is 15%. If they wanted more, they should have arranged sponsorship or sales. The blame is squarely on them, not BCCI.
As an RCB fan, it stings that we didn't get to celebrate at home. But the final was an absolute cracker! Virat's 75* off 42 was pure magic, and the crowd in Ahmedabad was electric. Maybe next time we can have a mega stadium in Bengaluru too? 😉
Shukla's response is sensible. Sports administrators need to think about the spectacle and revenue. A 1 lakh+ crowd generates huge buzz and money for Indian cricket. My only concern: does this mean smaller cities will never host big finals? That's a debate worth having.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.