IPL 2026 | Bengaluru may lose out on hosting final over MLA ticket issue

Though the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is slated to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) final on May 31, a cloud of uncertainty hovers over the venue over the demand from Karnataka MLA's for tickets.

It is worth mentioning that as per convention, the IPL final is scheduled to be held at the defending champions' home ground. However, political issues in Bengaluru, particularly related to MLA tickets, might force the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to shift the venue.

It may be recalled that before the IPL 2026 opener between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Congress MLA Vijayanand Kashappanavar suggested that every MLA should receive at least five IPL tickets, claiming that elected representatives are 'VIPs' who should not be waiting in line to get tickets.

After this, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said three tickets for RCB matches will be provided to the MLAs and MPs.

The BCCI is yet to announce the venue for the play-offs and finals. According to insiders, the matches are likely to be split between Punjab and Karnataka.

"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," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by ANI news agency.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association's (KSCA) Chinnaswamy Stadium, which had not hosted any match following the stampede last year after RCB's victory parade, was cleared to host seven IPL 2026 matches, including the final, after a successful safety review by government agencies days before the tournament.

But now it remains to ben seen if the highly-anticipated final would be held at the KSCA venue.

For the records, RCB, the defending champions, are currently perched second in the IPL 2026 table and look well on course to reach the play-offs.