The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to soon announce the venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs and final, but the location of the final remains uncertain due to issues in Bengaluru.
Sources from the BCCI indicate that playoff matches are likely to be divided between Punjab and Karnataka. However, Bengaluru is experiencing difficulties that could prevent it from hosting the final match.
A BCCI source explained that the customary practice is for the defending champions to host the final. Nevertheless, political complications linked to the allocation of MLA tickets in Bengaluru are causing disruptions. “IPL 2026 playoffs and final venue will be announced soon. Matches likely to be divided into Punjab and Karnataka, the last time winner should host the final, but MLA ticket issue is creating problems in Bengaluru, and if there is no solution, then BCCI will move the final to another city,” the source told ANI.
Prior to the IPL 2026 opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar requested that every MLA receive at least five IPL tickets, asserting that elected representatives are “VIPs” who should not wait in line.
Following this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that MLAs and MPs would be provided three tickets for RCB matches during the ongoing IPL.
Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara responded to allegations of ticket misuse by MLAs, clarifying that tickets are booked online and are attended by those who purchased them. He added that tickets are non-transferable and only MLAs or their family members may attend matches at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
As of January 31, 2026, the IPL 2026 points table shows a competitive league stage with several teams vying for playoff positions. Punjab Kings lead with 13 points from nine matches and a strong net run rate.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans follow closely with 12 points each, differentiated by net run rate, with RCB holding the best net run rate among them.
Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals occupy mid-table positions with 8 points, while Kolkata Knight Riders are in eighth place with 7 points, remaining mathematically in contention.
At the lower end of the table, Mumbai Indians have 6 points from ten games and face challenges in securing a top-four finish, while Lucknow Super Giants rank last with 4 points and slim chances of reaching the playoffs.