IPL Playoffs Venues Update: BCCI Secretary Says Final Decision Coming Soon

The venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs are expected to be finalised within the next two days, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) still evaluating its options ahead of the business end of the season.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the host cities for the playoff matches and the final but declined to reveal any specific venues at this stage.

"We are working on what could be the appropriate venue for the IPL playoffs and the final. So, we will take another two days' time," Saikia said.

BCCI remains tight-lipped on Mullanpur and Bengaluru speculation

There has been growing speculation that Mullanpur and Bengaluru could be selected as playoff venues, particularly because last season's finalists - Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings - were associated with those venues.

However, Saikia refused to confirm whether those cities were under serious consideration.

"You can keep guessing, but I am not going to give you a reply. We will take a call in two days' time," he added.

Reports suggest that the expected venues may not automatically be awarded hosting rights this season, especially after unusual scheduling changes affected last year's playoff structure.

Last season's venue changes still influencing planning decisions

The scheduling of IPL playoff matches last year underwent significant adjustments due to logistical challenges and external disruptions.

Originally, Hyderabad was scheduled to host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, but those matches were moved to Mullanpur due to logistical and weather-related concerns. Similarly, the final was initially planned for Kolkata before being shifted to Ahmedabad following disruptions linked to Operation Sindoor.

Ultimately, the Narendra Modi Stadium hosted both Qualifier 2 and the IPL final last season.

These previous adjustments appear to be influencing the cautious approach taken by the BCCI this year while finalising playoff venues.

IPL playoffs schedule dates likely already locked in

While the venues remain undecided, the tentative playoff schedule timeline for IPL 2026 has largely been outlined.

Expected IPL 2026 playoff dates:

• Qualifier 1 - May 26
• Eliminator - May 27
• Qualifier 2 - May 29
• Final - May 31

The BCCI has already confirmed that the IPL 2026 season will conclude on May 31, even though the official playoff venue list is still pending.

With the league phase entering its final stretch, clarity on venues is expected shortly, especially as teams begin preparing for potential travel and logistical arrangements ahead of the knockout stage.