Karnataka Deputy CM dismisses ticket controversy as reason for IPL final shift, says 'Ahmedabad has...'

In a surprising turn of events, the IPL 2026 final and playoffs has officially moved from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad and New Chandigarh, which has sparked a sporting and political backlash. As per the usual rituals, the defending champions' home ground hosts the marquee clash.

Deputy Karnataka CM rejects claims

With Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) winning the 2025 edition, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was given the right to host this season's final game. But, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the venue had been shifted because certain requirements were not met by the local association and authorities which were necessary as per the established guidelines and protocols.

The late decision by BCCI followed a major controversy over demands from Karnataka MLAs for complimentary IPL tickets, with Congress leaders saying that legislature should be given at least five passes each. Meanwhile, Karnataka's Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar came out to clarify that MLAs and MPs would be given three tickets each for RCB matches.

Reacting to the claims, Shivakumar dismissed rumors that the IPL final was moved because of the ticket controversy, saying that Ahmedabad has a bigger stadium and can accommodate more people.

“Ahmedabad has a bigger stadium and can accommodate more people. The IPL final may have been shifted with that intention. There is no relation between MLA ticket distribution and the shifting of the final," he said.

MLA ticket issue behind Bengaluru losing IPL final hosting rights?

Earlier, it was reported that Bengaluru's M.Chinnaswamy Stadium lost IPL 2026 final hosting rights due to MLA ticket issue despite the convention of defending champions hosting the title clash.

"Bengaluru was originally designated to host the Final. However, owing to certain requirements from the local association and authorities that were beyond the scope of BCCI's established guidelines and protocols, the venue has been shifted and reassigned," the BCCI said in the media release.

Where were IPL 2025 playoffs played?

The Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator clash were hosted in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh. The Qualifier 2 and final were played in Ahmedabad.