The IPL 2026 playoff schedule has been announced, and the final will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad rather than in Bengaluru.
The playoff fixtures
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | May 26 | HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala |
| Eliminator | May 27 | New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh |
| Qualifier 2 | May 29 | New International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh |
| Final | May 31 | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
How the format works
With nearly 50 matches already played, the playoffs open with Qualifier 1 at the HPCA Stadium between the top two teams, and the winner goes straight into the final. The Eliminator follows at the New International Cricket Stadium between the third and fourth-placed sides. Qualifier 2 is at the same ground, where the Qualifier 1 loser meets the Eliminator winner for the second finalist’s place. The format rewards teams that finish higher in the table.
Why the final moved
Bengaluru had originally been set to host the final, but requirements from local authorities did not fit with BCCI protocols, so the final was moved to Ahmedabad. The playoffs are spread over three venues for operational and logistical reasons.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the defending champions, having ended an 18-year wait in 2025 by beating Punjab Kings in the final. That final was also at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the fourth time in five years it has hosted the decider.
