Hosting of IPL final snatched from Bengaluru, KSCA angry, questions raised on BCCI’s decision
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KSCA’s First Reaction As IPL Final Shifts From Bengaluru To Ahmedabad: Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has reacted to BCCI’s decision to shift the IPL 2026 final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. BCCI has cited this as a violation of rules, while KSCA has raised questions over the lack of clarification. International matches have not been held here since the stampede last year. However, KSCA has respected BCCI’s decision and reiterated its full preparation for the upcoming India-West Indies and India-Sri Lanka series.
KSCA’s reaction after snatching hosting from Bengaluru
Bengaluru. Karnataka State Cricket Association has expressed disappointment over BCCI’s decision to shift the current IPL final from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bangalore being the current champions, according to tradition the final was to be held in Bangalore, but BCCI got the match held in Ahmedabad without giving any specific reason. BCCI said that the venue was changed due to some demands of the local association and officials as these demands were outside the rules and protocols of BCCI.
KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad had told at the beginning of IPL 2026 that BCCI has given hosting rights to Bengaluru for seven matches, which included five home matches of RCB, a playoff and the final. KSCA spokesperson Vinay Mrutyunjay said that KSCA is disappointed that the hosting of IPL playoff matches has been given to other cities. KSCA President Venkatesh Prasad was in touch with the BCCI and informed about KSCA’s readiness and interest to host the IPL playoffs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.
KSCA’s reaction after snatching hosting from Bengaluru
Mrityunjay said that BCCI has not yet given any specific reason for shifting the playoff matches to other cities. He said that despite our preparation and desire, BCCI has decided to give the hosting of these matches to other cities. Mrityunjay said that the specific reason for this has not been formally informed to KSCA, but we fully respect the decision of BCCI. Last year, 11 fans were killed in a stampede during RCB’s victory celebration at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
After this no international match took place here. Despite not getting the hosting rights for the IPL playoffs, Mrityunjay reiterated that KSCA is now fully prepared to host matches of every level. He said that KSCA would like to reiterate that it is fully prepared to host national and international matches and will continue to provide full support and cooperation to BCCI, franchises, government officials and all partners for the successful conduct of cricket tournaments in India.
International cricket will return to Chinnaswamy Stadium later this year. The fifth T20 International match will be held between India and West Indies here on October 17. Apart from this, the second ODI match between India and Sri Lanka will also be played here on 16th December.
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