IPL 2026: Bengaluru Faces Threat of Losing Playoff and Final Hosting Rights

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is at risk of not hosting the IPL 2026 playoffs and final due to issues related to MLA ticketing. According to ANI, political disputes over ticket distribution have caused problems, making it uncertain if Bengaluru will secure the event.

Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar had demanded that each MLA receive a minimum of five VIP tickets for RCB’s home matches, leading to conflicts. After intervention by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, a resolution was reached: MLAs and MPs would be given three complimentary tickets. However, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara clarified that tickets are only for MLAs or their family members.

A source revealed that if the ticket issue isn’t resolved, BCCI might move the final to another city. Traditionally, the IPL final is held at the defending champions’ home ground, which is Bengaluru since RCB won last year. However, political issues and past incidents, such as a fatal stampede during RCB’s 2024 trophy parade, have already caused Bengaluru to lose out on hosting major cricket events like the 2025 Women’s World Cup and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Currently, RCB stands second in the IPL standings with 12 points from nine matches. They host five games in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Their next match is against Mumbai Indians in Raipur on Sunday.