A BCCI source stated that the Karnataka State Cricket Association’s demand for an additional 10,057 complimentary tickets resulted in the IPL 2026 final and playoff matches being shifted away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Traditionally, Bengaluru was expected to host the final since defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are based there. However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told PTI that hosting the finale at the venue became “untenable” because of the high demand for complimentary passes at the 35,000-capacity stadium.
As a result, this season’s playoff matches will now take place in Dharamsala on May 26 and New Chandigarh on May 27 and 29, while the IPL 2026 final on May 31 will be held at Narendra Modi Stadium.
“The KSCA is entitled to complimentary tickets amounting to 15 per cent of the stadium capacity. However, KSCA requested for an additional 10,057 tickets,” the source revealed to PTI.
Association Sought Nearly 900 Passes for Karnataka Legislators
Out of that requirement, the association reportedly needed nearly 900 passes solely to accommodate members of the state legislature.
“KSCA agreed to provide three complimentary passes each to MLAs/MLCs (approximately 900 passes in total).”
“Further, the Expert Committee and the additional commitments with the Government of Karnataka would have required an additional 750 complimentary tickets in addition to a limited number of hospitality complimentary passes beyond the standard 15 per cent.” This would have left just about 20,000 tickets for the fans.
The source added that the association had also sought a batch of paid tickets at discounted prices.
“It also included 3,007 tickets in P3 stand at a concessional rate of Rs 2,000 for cricket-playing clubs and 900 tickets in the Members’ Stand for spouse and children of the members.”
“Other than that the association also needed to purchase 1,000 tickets in M4 stand at an average price of about Rs 2000 and 3,500 tickets across stands for purchase by life members,” the source said.
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