The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the IPL 2026 playoff schedule and final venue soon, but Bengaluru’s chances of hosting the title clash are now under a cloud. According to reports, the last four matches of the season are likely to be split between Bengaluru and Punjab, but the “MLA ticket” controversy could force the board to shift the final elsewhere.

Under normal IPL practice, the final is staged at the home ground of the defending champions. That would point to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, home of reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). However, if the ticket issue in Karnataka is not resolved in time, the BCCI is prepared to move the summit clash to another city, as per an ANI report.

A source quoted by ANI said the playoff and final venues will be finalised soon, with matches likely divided between Punjab and Karnataka. The same source added that while the defending champions are usually entitled to host the final, the ongoing MLA ticket dispute in Bengaluru has created complications.

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The issue surfaced before RCB’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, when Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar said every MLA should be allotted at least five IPL tickets, arguing that elected representatives should not have to wait in queues like regular fans. The comment quickly sparked debate around access and ticket distribution.

Why Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium Is In Danger Of Losing IPL 2026 Final#bengaluru #mchinnaswaystadium #IPL #cricket #Sports https://t.co/UmXoFAwbwY

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Later, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said that MLAs and MPs would be provided three tickets each for RCB matches in the ongoing season. Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara then stepped in to dismiss allegations of misuse, stressing that IPL tickets are booked online and used only by those who purchase them.

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He also noted that tickets are clearly marked as non-transferable, meaning they cannot be passed on to others. According to him, only MLAs or their family members can attend matches using those tickets.

RCB lifted their maiden IPL title last year after defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final, and Bengaluru had been expected to remain central to the season’s biggest stage.