IPL 2026 Playoffs Updated Schedule: Ahmedabad to Host Another Final on May 31. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly finalised the updated venues for the IPL 2026 playoffs. The IPL 2026 playoffs will begin on May 26 with Qualifier 1 in Dharamshala. The HPCA Stadium will host the crucial clash between the top two teams. The Eliminator will take place on May 27 in Mullanpur. The losing side will exit the tournament immediately. The winning team will advance to Qualifier 2.
Qualifier 2 is scheduled for May 29 at the same venue in Mullanpur. The winner will secure a place in the IPL 2026 final. The grand final will be played on May 31 in Ahmedabad. The Narendra Modi Stadium will host the title-deciding encounter this season. The updated playoff schedule has attracted massive excitement among cricket fans. Dharamshala and Mullanpur are expected to witness packed crowds during the knockout matches.
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Updated IPL 2026 Playoffs Schedule
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | May 26, 2026 | Dharamshala |
| Eliminator | May 27, 2026 | Mullanpur |
| Qualifier 2 | May 29, 2026 | Mullanpur |
| Final | May 31, 2026 | Ahmedabad |
Ahmedabad has previously hosted several memorable IPL finals in 2022, 2023 and 2025. The venue offers world-class facilities and one of cricket’s largest stadium capacities. Punjab Kings could enjoy home support during the Mullanpur fixtures. The franchise has already played multiple matches at the venue this season.
The BCCI changed the playoff venues after recent logistical discussions. Earlier reports had suggested Bengaluru as the possible host city for the final. “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.” – Statement from the BCCI.
Also Read: IPL 2026: Full Schedule, Venues, Results, and Man of The Match
IPL 2026 started on March 28 with ten teams competing for the trophy. The tournament will conclude on May 31 after the final in Ahmedabad. Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered IPL 2026 as defending champions. They won their maiden IPL title during the 2025 season.