“At this point, nobody even cares,” expressed a cricket enthusiast from Mumbai regarding the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) final, which is once again set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Loyal fans will once more prepare for the journey to this familiar location for yet another cricket showdown.
This will mark the fourth time in five years that the IPL final occurs in Ahmedabad. Typically, the defending champions, this year the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, get the honor of hosting the final.
However, that right has been denied to Eden Gardens, the home ground of the 2024 champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, as well as RCB, the 2025 titleholders, for two consecutive years. The Indian Premier League’s governing body, BCCI, made its stance clear regarding the absence of Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium as this year’s venue. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia cited concerns about Karnataka’s political figures, who allegedly requested 10,000 free tickets ahead of the match.
This was in addition to the standard 15 percent ticket allocation already provided to the state association hosting the event. With nearly 16,000 of the 40,000 tickets essentially reserved before public release, the BCCI questioned the logic of hosting a high-profile game at a venue known for controversies surrounding ticket management — an issue that reemerged early in IPL 2026.
While the BCCI has the right to take action against a state association if it feels coerced, it raises questions about the rationale behind moving the 2025 final from Eden Gardens. The BCCI had originally cited weather issues as the reason for relocating the event due to anticipated rain in Kolkata, although the weather held up that day, making the decision seem more questionable in retrospect.
WHY IS AHMEDABAD HOSTING ALL CRICKET FINALS?
It seems the BCCI is favoring one stadium for major events. While this is not uncommon globally, with venues like Melbourne Cricket Ground and Lord’s consistently hosting major matches, this practice brings up the important aspect of equity among locations. The Narendra Modi Stadium accommodates over 100,000 spectators, making it attractive for ticket sales. Furthermore, its impressive visuals during broadcasts contribute to the perception of a grand event, making it a favored option for finals.
IS THIS FAIR TO OTHER STADIUMS IN INDIA?
Ahmedabad may not yet carry the historical significance of iconic venues like Eden Gardens, Wankhede, or Chepauk, leading to dissatisfaction among fans. The BCCI has faced criticism for not providing adequate compensation to other venues when it consistently chooses Ahmedabad. If the BCCI prioritizes Ahmedabad for significant matches, other major stadiums should at least receive their share of high-profile games.
IPL: A CELEBRATION OF CITY IDENTITY
One of the IPL’s great appeals lies in its local representation. Each team embodies its city, creating an emotional connection among supporters. The rotating finals across the country allowed diverse fanbases to engage in the league’s festivities. A shift toward centralizing major matches in Ahmedabad may dilute this regional flavor, ultimately impacting the IPL’s cultural essence.
The BCCI needs to consider these dynamics. While fixed venues for international games may be acceptable, retaining the IPL’s pan-Indian spirit is vital to its success and relevance amidst India’s diverse landscape.
